Reviewed: Denza B5 Leopard premium SUV
The Denza The B5 Leopard costs from $96,990. Photos: Liz Dobson
The Denza B5 model has been compared with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and the Land Rover Defender, and it’s easy to see why this Chinese model is getting traction with Kiwi buyers.
The Denza brand itself is a premium offshoot of BYD, one of the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturers. Originally a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz, Denza has evolved into BYD’s luxury and technology showcase, aimed squarely at higher-end buyers.
I had the top-spec B5 Leopard, which costs from $96,990, so it's in the Prado's price bracket but considerably cheaper than the Defender.
It has a classic, boxy off-road SUV silhouette, with rear mounted spare tyre.
What gives the B4 credit is that the BYD Shark Ute 6 is based on this vehicle, not the other way around, as in the case of Ford Everest (aka Ford Ranger).
The Denza B5 Leopard is one of the most intriguing new entrants into the large SUV segment, blending traditional ladder-frame 4WD engineering with cutting-edge electrified performance.
As part of the growing wave of Chinese premium vehicles entering global markets, it represents a significant shift in how off-roaders are conceived—particularly in markets like New Zealand, where buyers demand both rugged capability and long-distance comfort.
The Denza B5 Leopard has a premium interior.
When it comes to design, the Denza B5 Leopard plays a relatively conservative game. Its size—roughly Prado-like—gives it a strong road presence but isn’t intimidating.
It has a classic, boxy off-road SUV silhouette, as seen with the Land Cruiser, Defender and even the Mercedes-Benz G-Class thanks in part to the spare tyre mounted on the rear door.
Inside, however, the B5 takes a dramatic leap forward. The cabin is richly appointed with high-grade materials, including Nappa leather in top-spec models, and features like heated, ventilated, and massaging seats in the Leapord.
The Denza B5 a 1.5-litre petrol engine with dual electric motors.
The Leopard also has a heated or cooled middle storage box, great for keeping the mince and cheese pie warm!
The defining feature of the Denza B5 Leopard is its plug-in hybrid “DM-O” powertrain. It combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine (used primarily as a generator) with dual electric motors, delivering a combined output of around 400kW and up to 675Nm of torque.
The hybrid system also enables an electric-only range of around 90km and a combined range approaching 1000km, making it highly practical for New Zealand’s long-distance driving conditions.
The B5 Leopard rides on a body-on-frame chassis—typical for serious off-roaders.
While slow from standstill to 50km, once on the road the B5 has ample mid-range power for overtaking and motorway driving.
The B5 Leopard rides on a body-on-frame chassis—typical for serious off-roaders—but incorporates advanced suspension technology, including adjustable hydraulic systems.
With locking differentials, multiple terrain modes, and strong torque delivery, it is highly capable in challenging conditions such as sand, mud, and rock crawling.
It has cope with sand, mud, and rock crawling.
The Denza B5 Leopard is a bold and highly capable entrant into the large SUV market. It successfully merges traditional off-road engineering with next-generation electrified performance, creating a vehicle that feels both familiar and futuristic.
Expect to see more the B5 on New Zealand roads as this SUV is great value for money.
