BYD’s premium Denza brand is gearing up to challenge the iconic Land Rover Defender with its upcoming B5 plug-in hybrid 4×4 SUV, promising around 50 miles of electric-only driving—twice the real-world range of its British counterpart—while delivering robust off-road capabilities and advanced tech at a more accessible price point. This development highlights the growing influence of Chinese automakers in the luxury PHEV segment, as showcased at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Design Similarities and Off-Road Readiness

The Denza B5 adopts a rugged, square aesthetic that echoes the Land Rover Defender 110, including a spare wheel mounted on the rear door and thick black plastic cladding around squared-off wheel arches. This design supports its off-road ambitions, with large 18- or 20-inch wheels enhancing ground clearance and traction, according to The Independent. The SUV measures 4,890 mm (16 feet) in length, 1,970 mm (6.5 feet) in width, and 1,920 mm (6.3 feet) in height, with a 2,800 mm (9.2 feet) wheelbase—dimensions that closely align with the Defender, enabling similar versatility for urban and trail use.

Engineers equipped the B5 with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, which allows owners to power external devices via a three-pin socket. This feature proves ideal for camping trips or inflating equipment during outings, addressing practical needs of EV owners who venture off-grid. The vehicle’s performance at Goodwood, where it navigated a steep ramp effectively, confirms its capability to handle challenging terrain, building on BYD’s expertise in durable hybrid systems.

Powertrain Efficiency and Performance Specs

BYD integrates its DM-i plug-in hybrid system into the B5, combining a turbocharged 1.5-liter petrol engine with two electric motors—one on each axle—for all-wheel drive. This configuration propels the SUV from 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds, a brisk time for its size, though it trails the Defender Octa’s 3.8-second 0-60 mph sprint from its twin-turbo V8. The 31.8 kWh Blade Battery enables the estimated 50-mile EV range, allowing drivers to complete many daily drives without engaging the gas engine.

Charging efficiency stands out, with a 100 kW maximum speed on fast chargers achieving 30% to 80% capacity in 16 minutes. This quick replenishment reduces wait times at public stations, a key benefit for EV enthusiasts seeking convenience comparable to refueling. The system prioritizes electric power, which could lower fuel costs and emissions for users who charge regularly, reflecting a shift toward hybrids that emphasize EV operation in the off-road category.

Interior Space, Quality, and Technology

Inside, the B5 provides seating for five with ample room and a 475-liter (16.8 cubic feet) boot, forgoing a seven-seat option to maximize cargo flexibility. High-quality leather upholstery and switchgear elevate the cabin, surpassing utilitarian expectations. Grab handles assist during off-road maneuvers, while abundant storage spaces enhance everyday usability.

A 15-inch central touchscreen anchors the dashboard, flanked by two 12-inch displays for the driver and front passenger, delivering intuitive access to navigation and controls. This tech integration supports seamless hybrid management, appealing to enthusiasts who value in connected features without complexity.

UK Market Launch and Dealer Strategy

Denza plans to introduce the B5 in the UK next year, following the Z9 GT and D9 MPV models. The brand will establish its own dealer network, as explained by BYD Special Advisor Alfredo Altavilla:

“Dealing with premium customers is a different job than dealing with the mass market customers. We believe that only investors who are already used to dealing with customers in that segment deserve to be appointed Denza dealers. Some of them will be in common with BYD, but most of them will be specific to Denza.”

Pricing remains unconfirmed, but expectations point to a starting figure around £70,000 (approximately $90,000 USD), less than half the £148,000 ($190,000 USD) Defender Octa. This affordability could broaden access to premium PHEV off-roaders, pressuring established brands to enhance value propositions.

Broader Trends and User Implications

The B5 underscores the rapid evolution of PHEVs in the electric vehicle landscape, where extended battery ranges and fast charging are bridging gaps between traditional SUVs and full EVs. For owners, this translates to economic savings on fuel—potentially halving costs through EV-focused driving—and operational flexibility, such as V2L for remote power needs. Yet, it raises questions about long-term battery performance in harsh off-road environments.

This entry intensifies competition, encouraging innovation in hybrid tech while highlighting economic pressures on legacy automakers. EV enthusiasts stand to gain from more choices that combine adventure-ready design with sustainable efficiency, without sacrificing performance. As Chinese brands like BYD expands, they challenge perceptions of luxury and capability, fostering a more inclusive market for eco-conscious drivers.

Photos courtesy of BYD