Confirmed: BYD to launch its Denza luxury brand in Australia
A new luxury challenger with insane features is coming Down Under to take on Australia’s favourite large SUVs.
Chinese auto giant BYD has locked in an Australian launch for its Denza luxury brand, confirming that vehicles will hit the road next month.
Denza will launch with a pair of SUVs intended to offer an alternative to the likes of the Toyota LandCruiser, Jeep Wrangler and Land Rover Discovery – for a sharper price.
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The five-seat Denza B5 SUV shares some of its hardware with the BYD Shark 6 ute, including a sophisticated plug-in hybrid driveline with a turbocharged petrol engine.
Full specifications for the car in Australia have not been revealed.
But overseas examples have up to 505kW of power, which would make it one of the most powerful SUVs on sale, with the ability to hit 100km/h in 4.8 seconds.
Locking differentials should also make it a better bet than the BYD Shark in rough terrain.
The larger Denza B8 swaps the smaller car’s 1.5-litre engine for a 2.0-litre motor that returns 550kW of hybrid power.
Both models should have an impressive array of luxury equipment, such as heated and cooled seats, as well as off-road driving modes suited to various conditions.
Denza Australia chief operating officer Mark Harland says the launch of Denza represents “a landmark moment in the Australian automotive industry”.
“Denza will offer a whole new range for consumers wanting a slice of luxury and the latest in innovation.”
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“It’s built for explorers, pioneers, and leaders. For those who see roads as invitations, not boundaries, we know Denza will be one of the most exciting premium brand launches to date.”
Harland has big plans for the brand, including the potential for a local showing of the world’s fastest car, BYD’s Yangwang U8.
When the model set a speed record in Europe last week, Harland posted on LinkedIn that he “will do my best to get this car to Australia”.
