Power flows through an E-CVT transmission, which never feels buzzy or hesitant. Instead, it’s silky smooth as it feeds torque to all four wheels, backed up by three electronically locking differentials. Toss in BYD’s DiSus-P air suspension, and you’ve got an adaptive ride height that shifts from a modest 220 mm in town to 310 mm off-road, complete with 34° approach and 35° departure angles and an 890 mm wading depth [4]. Oddly enough, it never feels like overkill—just a reassuring embrace of capability that invites you to push boundaries.

One reviewer described the B8’s torque curves as “effortless”—I couldn’t agree more. There’s no drama, no lurching from engine to motor; instead, you get a seamless surge whenever you prod the accelerator. If you’re curious how this hybrid powerhouse compares to its more modest sibling, dive into our look at BYD Denza B5’s performance and you’ll see how Denza has dialled everything up to 11.

Chassis, Suspension, and Off-Road Abilities

Every minor bump feels more like a polite tap than a jolt, thanks to the B8’s air-sprung chassis. Beneath the skin, a double wishbone independent suspension cooperates with DiSus-P air springs to cradle the cabin as you roll over city imperfections or scramble across unexpected fire trails. In everyday mode, you get a tactful 220 mm of clearance; flip into off-road mode and that stretches to 310 mm, so you literally glide over rocks and roots without breaking stride [5]. It’s cleverly calibrated—never floaty, always planted.

If you dream of climbing off the beaten path, the B8’s toolkit impresses. Three locking differentials, a dedicated low-speed 4×4 mode, and impressive approach/departure angles give you confidence to tackle steep trails and muddy riverbeds. Water crossings up to 890 mm feel almost trivial. Underneath, a rigid frame and protective skid plates keep vital bits safe. Early testers rave that the chassis “feels rock solid,” which is high praise for a newcomer [4]. For a taste of how it stacks up against a familiar workhorse, see our comparison with the Toyota Prado.

Whether crawling up a steep incline or negotiating a sandy wash, the B8’s balance of compliance and rigidity inspires confidence. It’s a rare beast: a luxury-leaning SUV that doesn’t flinch when you point it toward the wild.

Tech And Features

Slide into the B8’s cabin and you might feel like you’ve stormed an Elon Musk demo. A sweeping head-up display projects navigation prompts and safety alerts across your field of vision while two 12.3-inch screens handle instrument data and infotainment. The touch-and-voice interface responds with uncanny accuracy, and seamless integration of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay keeps your digital life at your fingertips [4].

The creature comforts read like a wish list for tech-obsessed families: heated, ventilated, and massaging seats wrapped in plush materials; a climate-controlled center box that doubles as a mini fridge for snacks; and a web of USB and 230 V outlets in all three rows. The ingenious side-opening tailgate makes stashing suitcases or prams almost playful, rather than wrestling with stiff hardware [5]. In fact, the triple-row layout strikes a rare harmony—kids in the back feel included, not forgotten, and large windows flood the cabin with natural light.

Adaptive air suspension smooths out highway cracks and, at a moment’s notice, lifts you over rough trails. Practical yet indulgent, it’s a reminder that the B8 isn’t just chasing headline specs; it’s engineered for real-world family adventures.

Comparison To Lexus LX

Matching the Denza B8’s hybrid brute against the Lexus LX’s time-honoured pedigree feels like a modern-day David vs. Goliath. Under the B8’s hood, you get that 2.0 L turbo plus electric duo for 550 kW and 760 Nm, sprinting to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and offering 100 km of pure electric range [4]. The LX, by contrast, relies on a 3.4 L twin-turbo V6 pushing about 305 kW and takes roughly six seconds to hit 100 km/h [2]. Both deliver smooth power, but only one throws in that electric rocket boost.

Inside, Denza’s tech blitz feels like it was beamed in from 2030: swirling digital displays, vehicle-to-load outlets for campsite power, and adaptive air suspension controls at your fingertips [5]. Lexus counters with its hallmark semi-aniline leather, a Mark Levinson stereo, and an intuitive infotainment suite that’s aged gracefully [2]. But when the trail gets tough, Denza’s three locking diffs and 310 mm ride height in terrain mode feel almost unfair [4].

Price throws the biggest spotlight on differences. The LX starts around USD 108,000 and stretches to USD 117,000 for fully loaded models [2], while Denza insiders whisper that the B8 will undercut by tens of thousands [1]. It’s an audacious gambit, and one that could tilt the scales if build quality and dealer support hold up.

Critical Evaluation

The Denza B8’s headline figures demand attention: 550 kW, 760 Nm, a 0–100 km/h dash in 4.8 seconds, and 100 km of electric-only driving—the kind of numbers that push the Lexus LX and Range Rover right out of their comfort zones [4]. But performance specs alone can’t carry a luxury SUV; it’s the combination of power, poise, and polish that matters.

Inside, Denza serves up a tech banquet: a head-up display, digital screens, V2L outlets, and massaging seats come standard. This feast echoes the value proposition we saw in our Denza B5 review and signals a bold rewrite of the luxury playbook [1].

On rough terrain, the triple diffs, air suspension lift, and serious approach/departure angles turn the B8 into a genuine trail contender. The ride is planted and confident, shattering old stereotypes about Chinese SUVs and reminding us of the grit we witnessed in the off-road showdown [4]. Still, the real test will be whether Denza can match Lexus in long-term refinement and service confidence.

Potential Drawbacks And Unknowns

For all its technological bravado, the B8 must overcome brand unfamiliarity outside China [2]. Will adequate dealer networks and service centres exist to support owners? Our exploration of the Denza B5’s underdog rise shows that earning consumer trust takes time and tangible proof.

Reliability remains a question mark. Unlike the time-tested Lexus LX, the B8 hasn’t yet survived extensive real-world endurance trials. Chinese reviewers praise its solid build, but overseas buyers may hold their breath until long-term warranty claims and repair data emerge [5].

Finally, spec sheets and price tags could shift by launch. Feature lists might shrink to meet local regulations, and a final price remains a blank canvas [4]. As AutoReview TV notes, “If confirmed for an Australian release date, it’ll likely be badged by BYD as the Denza B8,” underscoring the marketing puzzles ahead [3].

Summary

The Denza B8 2026 stakes a bold claim with its 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine plus dual electric motors, delivering 550 kW, 760 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and 100 km of electric-only range via a 36.8 kWh Blade battery [4].

While the Lexus LX still reigns supreme in brand prestige and long-term reliability, Denza’s newcomer undercuts on price, packs a heavier tech punch, and flexes surprising trail toughness. Those craving a high-tech, high-power SUV without the six-figure sticker should watch this space—and maybe revisit the Denza B5’s value showdown for a hint of what’s to come.

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