Yangwang U8 floating SUV coming to Australia as a Denza

The spectacular swimming 2025 Yangwang U8 luxury 4x4 is on the agenda for Australia, albeit badged as a Denza.

BYD’s premium brand Denza will launch in Australia before the end of the year, drawing models from not only its own line-up, but also fellow BYD subsidiaries Fangchengbao and Yangwang.

While not one of the four to five models to be revealed at the launch, the $250,000 uber-luxury Yangwang U8 off-roader is on the agenda for the local Denza line-up, and so is a supercar.

But both these cars will have to wait for Denza to get through its Australian launch phase which will kick-off with a reveal of the first four or five models it will sell here – the local debut is set for Q4, with the first customer cars due in early 2026.

The initial line-up is tipped to include the Denza Z9 GT, D9 people-mover and the Fangchengbao Bao 5 and Bao 8 hard-core off-roaders.

The U8 has attracted plenty of attention with its ability to float in deep water – despite weighing 3460kg – and its stupendously powerful (880kW/1280Nm) plug-in hybrid powertrain.

“The U8 is a vehicle I would like to get to Australia, but not on day one,” newly-appointed Denza Australia and New Zealand chief operating officer Mark Harland said.

“It is really a premium vehicle. If you look at the price they sell it at in, China it would be the equivalent of $250,000 Australian dollars.

“I love that car, it certainly wouldn’t be high volume. I want to establish the Denza brand with Australians as being capable with on-road or off-road cars before I ask someone for $200,000 to $250,000.”

Another model Yangwang currently sells in China is the dancing U9 supercar, but other options could include the Denza Z that was unveiled at the Shanghai show and a production version of the Fangchengbao Super 9 first shown in 2024.

“There will be some form of a sports car in the Denza portfolio in the future,” Harland confirmed.

“Not on day one, but definitely in the portfolio going forward. The nice thing is there is a choice.”

According to Harland, the objective of Denza in Australia at launch will be more in the mainstream; it aims to deliver cutting edge technology, class-competitive luxury features and “accessible” pricing.

“We want to be better on technology, at least on par with the luxury – but there’s luxury and premium fit and finish that we’re going to be better than our competitors – and prices that are really accessible for most people,” he said.

“Without giving away price … we’re going to take that premium technology and bring that out at prices that are going to be very accessible to people.”

He added that he understood the rebadging of Fangchengbao and Yangwang models as Denza would be widespread in export markets.

“As far as I know most of the exports market those brands will come under the Denza name.”

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