BYD planning cheaper Denza B5 and B8 spin-offs

BYD is considering launching more budget-friendly versions of its Denza B5 and B8 plug-in hybrid SUVs in Australia – models that could be sold under the core BYD brand. The move would mirror Toyota’s strategy with the LandCruiser Prado and Lexus GX, offering capable SUVs at both luxury and mainstream price points.

Revealed during interviews at BYD’s recent media tour in China, the potential spin-offs would share the same body-on-frame underpinnings and plug-in hybrid drivetrains as their Denza-badged siblings, but feature fewer luxury appointments and possibly less outright performance. The result? A simplified, slightly slower, but still highly capable SUV range targeting value-conscious family buyers.

“If we want to be a top-five player, BYD must have a large off-road SUV,” said Head of Product, Sajid Hasan. “There will be additional products that we roll out to fill that space.”

Public Relations Manager James Robinson echoed the sentiment: “Anything’s possible. If we want to be in the top five, then we need to provide cars in every segment.”

When asked whether BYD might adopt a similar structure to Toyota and Lexus – offering rugged SUVs under both brands, akin to the Prado and GX – the executives didn’t confirm specific models, but their responses suggested more mainstream BYD-branded versions of the Denza B5 and B8 are firmly on the table.

Both are based on the BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute but introduce significant upgrades in luxury, refinement, and technology.

While Denza is clearly gunning for premium rivals like the Lexus GX and LX, any BYD-branded counterparts would aim to shake up the diesel-dominated large SUV space – challenging staples like the Toyota LandCruiser and LandCruiser Prado, Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X with plug-in hybrid efficiency, genuine off-road credentials and a lower price point.

Like their Denza siblings, these potential BYD models would be built on the DMO Super Hybrid body-on-frame platform. The Fangchengbao Leopard Bao 5 (the basis for the B5) already makes up to 505kW and includes triple diff locks, height-adjustable suspension and over 120km of electric-only range. The larger Leopard Bao 8 (the B8) adds third-row seating, even more tech, and ramps output to 550kW.

If brought to market, these BYD-badged SUVs would significantly broaden the brand’s local offering and strengthen its push into Australia’s highly competitive large off-road SUV segment.

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