Denza B8 2026 Review

From launch, the 2026 Denza B8 is offered in two variants, starting with the 7S which costs $91,000 plus on-road costs. It is the more practical representative of the new model line, offering seven seats and the most economical price but still with a respectable level of equipment.

Above that is the 6S, which has just six seats – the middle row converted into a pair of so-called ‘captain’s chairs’ for optimum comfort. It also gets a few more luxury and performance touches such as a front locking differential in addition to the standard rear locker, rear ambient lighting, a head-up display, night-vision camera and more sophisticated manoeuvring camera.

Both versions have a plug-in hybrid powertrain which incorporates a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and a pair of electric motors, powered by a 37kWh battery for up to 100km of pure electric range (or more than 1000km combined).

The Denza B8 was awarded a full five-star safety rating early in 2026 thanks to a strong suite of passive and active technologies, such as 13 airbags including side and head protection bags for all three rows.

What’s good about the Denza B8?

It would be easy to dismiss the 2026 Denza B8 as ‘too expensive’ given it’s a Chinese-built model from a brand that’s unknown Down Under.

But that doesn’t do it justice. Yes, $91K is a lot to ask but there is a lot included for the money.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain is powerful and torquey with a well-calibrated delivery of both under all circumstances. On road, the 425kW peak output of two motors and the petrol engine is enough for a 0-100km/h dash in just 4.8 seconds, while the rolling acceleration (overtaking performance) is the most impressive.

It also manages to be real-world efficient, returning an indicated figure of less than 10 litres per 100km. Not game changing but still respectable for such a large and heavy all-terrain vehicle – it’s also close to Denza’s claimed economy figure of 9.9L/100km.

Away from the road, the throttle calibration is excellent, and the advantages of the electrification become clear with the ability to apply precisely the required amount of torque in all situations. With no clattery diesel to rev its guts out, the B8 remains relaxing and comfortable on unsealed roads – perhaps even more so than on tarmac.

Vehicle-to-load (V2L) power options are a real selling point of the B8 which will allow owners to power their choice of electrical appliances or tools pretty much anywhere. Not only that, but the Denza also has a 37kWh battery which means those chosen devices will run for a long time before needing to fire up the engine and recharge.

Add to that, the B8 has Denza’s unique ‘blade’ designed lithium-ion battery, in which the cells are arranged in long blades rather than short pouches or cylinders which is safer, stronger and more resistant to degradation, according to the brand.

The B8’s cabin is a very pleasant place with high-quality materials which would likely make the average consumer fail the blindfold test. This level of quality in a Chinese brand was completely unheard of not that long ago, but Denza is making something consumers now expect.

We love the vast 17.3-inch screen which is almost too large but the option to customise exactly what information is displayed on various screens underscores its practicality rather than being a folly for attention.

During a long trip the seats remained comfortable with no aches or cramps sneaking in, while the various heating, cooling and massage functions add to the general level of ambience thanks to other standard inclusions such as double glazing and a good level of all-round sound insulation.

We didn’t get an opportunity to test the B8’s off-road ability on the gnarliest of obstacles, with our focus on the very impressive smaller B5 sibling, but simply observing others put the B8 through its paces was enough to suggest it is very capable.

From the outside, it’s clear the B8 has good clearance in the arches and respectable articulation with only the long 2920mm wheelbase detracting from a very good ability to clear rocks and break-overs.

Despite this, the B8 still has some impressive figures to its name: up to 310mm ground clearance thanks to adaptive hydraulic dampers, nearly a metre of wading depth and approach and departure angles of 34 and 35 degrees respectively.

What’s not so good about the Denza B8?

The Denza B8 has a kerb weight that almost defies belief.

Tipping the scales at 3290kg, this big SUV demonstrates the sum total of a good-sized petrol engine, a pair of electric motors, respectably sized battery and a host of high-tech features all housed in a vehicle which measures nearly 5.2 metres long – there’s no defying physics here.

One upside is a 3500kg braked towing maximum weight and, although we didn’t get a chance to test it, the Denza’s own weight will likely enhance its manners when hooked up to a large trailer. However, you feel the mass when unloaded on the road.

There’s reasonable ride quality when cruising in a straight line, although a bit more shudder and crash than we would have liked from a large SUV riding on adaptive dampers and independent suspension all round. It also doesn’t eagerly change direction at speed.

The steering lacks precision while the body control is not great with mid-corner bumps, manifesting themselves as roll and a little bump-steer.

While the levels of standard equipment are generous by anyone’s measure, there are a few surprising exclusions for the more affordable 7S, such as head-up display and both front and rear locking differentials.

This wouldn’t be such an issue in a more conventional line-up but customers wanting the most off-road capable and tech-packed version are forced to compromise on practicality and go for the six-seater.

Some may see it as an attractive feature but there are about 18 different driving modes when three on-road modes are factored in. It’s hard to see how all of these modes are genuinely useful, especially as a couple are somewhat critically named such as Race and Rage.

A simpler approach may help users select the correct electronic program for their individual driving style.

Given Toyota’s stronghold on the Australian market, we’re not sure many LandCruiser fans are going to flock to this alternative. However, the larger interest group for the 2026 Denza B8 will probably come from more divisive and volatile models such as the Land Rover Defender – and possibly other challenger brands.

What the Denza lacks in on-road dynamics and comfort, it makes up for in off-road agility, while the excellent level of standard equipment and technology will further sweeten the deal to the right audience.

It won’t appeal to every large SUV buyer, but those looking for something that takes a high level of comfort pretty much anywhere the trail leads them should certainly have a look at this impressive newcomer.

2026 Denza B8 at a glance: 
Price: $91,000 (plus on-road costs) 
Available: Now 
Powertrain: turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric 
Output: 425kW/760Nm (electric motor: Front 200kW/360Nm, Rear 300kW/400Nm) 
Combined output: 25kW/760Nm 
Transmission: Single-speed electric 
Battery: 37kWh (lithium-ion) 
Range: 100km (electric-only) 
Energy consumption: 24.4kWh/100km 
Fuel: 9.9L/100km 
CO2: 51g/km 
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2026)

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