Malaysia's premium SUV market has a new and pricey contender. DENZA, the upmarket brand under BYD, has launched the DENZA B8 locally, calling it its first Dual Mode Off-Road (DMO) Super Hybrid model in Malaysia.
Two variants are on sale: the Dynamic at RM458,800 and the Premium at RM518,800. DENZA pitches the B8 as a luxury off-road SUV that blends electrified performance, intelligent engineering and a high-end cabin.
Editor
Kai T chevron_right
Table of Contents
What drives it
The B8 is built on three pillars, the headline being the DMO Super Hybrid Platform. It pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with dual electric motors and BYD's Blade Battery for four-wheel drive. The setup delivers 760Nm of torque, and the 36.8kWh battery offers up to 115km of pure electric range on the NEDC cycle. Combined with the engine, DENZA quotes a total range of up to about 1,040km on NEDC. Charging tops out at 120kW DC, enough to go from 30 to 80 percent in around 16 minutes, with up to 11kW AC charging.
Comfort and control
The second pillar is the DiSUS-P Intelligent Hydraulic Body Control System, an active suspension that DENZA says keeps the ride composed across highways, city roads and rougher terrain. The third is the cabin itself, where DENZA leans into premium materials and space, offered in six- and seven-seat configurations.
Where it sits
At over half a million ringgit for the Premium, the B8 is one of the priciest Chinese-badged SUVs sold in Malaysia. That places it against established European and Japanese luxury SUVs rather than the value-focused models most Chinese brands sell here. DENZA is betting that off-road capability, plug-in hybrid range and a loaded cabin justify the premium.
The takeaway
The DENZA B8 marks a step up in ambition for BYD's premium arm in Malaysia. For buyers who want long combined range, genuine off-road hardware and a luxury interior in one package, it is a serious option, provided the price tag fits.