Words — Jeff Kennedy
The Denza B5 Leopard is a plug-in hybrid SUV with premium features all wrapped around a seriously capable and brilliantly engineered off-road package.
If you’re buying in this market, you must evaluate the DENZA B5, the luxury brand from BYD, the world’s largest manufacturer of electric vehicles.
First impressions of this well-presented machine were very positive. Big alloy wheels, a strongly bodied form, and handsome height above the innovative DiSus-P Intelligent Hydraulic Body Control System extends a compelling, attractive presence. Build quality is excellent, too.
Inside awaits a spacious, well-appointed cabin packed to the gunwales with technology, comfort, and design elements that surprise and delight. All seating is upholstered in Nappa leather, affording ventilation and heating functions throughout, and offering a variety of in-seat massage modes in the front.
For the driver, a large touchscreen complements the informative digital dashboard, and twin wireless phone-charging stations are provided. Set into the centre console is a glorious bank of chunky physical switches, gleaming jewels that could have been lifted from the cockpit of a futuristic airliner… they look amazing when lit up in the dark! The centre jewel is ruby-red, responsible for starting and stopping vehicle systems. Deeper within the central console is a cold-and-hot-box capable of keeping ice-creams frozen or sausage-rolls deliciously warm.
Topping off the in-cabin experience is a magnificent sound system crafted especially for DENZA by the leading French audiophile brand Devialet. Throughout our trial period, connectivity and performance with smartphones and radio sources was an intuitive, responsive, seamless, and faultless experience.
Driving the B5 reveals its smooth and sprightly nature. Whether moving about the city streets, travelling on the highway, or crawling in rush-hour traffic, a super-smooth and comfortable ride is assured. “It feels like we’re gliding!” was the family consensus from a Sunday-morning run out to the always-lovely Kumeū market.
Serious off-road capability does require some heft, and the B5 is a substantial vehicle. Despite that heft, the twin electric motors powered by the outstanding BYD Blade battery system create a vigorous performance: the B5 can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds.
That class-leading Blade battery system has a capacity of 31.8kWh, and took only 14:07 minutes to load a 45% top-up at a fast-charge station for just $15.69… and remember that the B5 can travel up to 90km in EV-only mode.
There’s a lot going on in the world, and whether you’re coming at this from a cost-saving, geopolitical, climate-change or lifestyle-block perspective, the DENZA B5 Leopard is a smooth, practical, and capable answer. If you’re considering making the switch, this deserves some serious consideration… we just want one!
