Denza B5

Despite its tough and muscular exterior appearance, the Denza B5 offers a surprisingly refined interior. The cabin surrounds occupants with soft-touch materials and an impressive array of modern features. Up front, the driver is greeted by Denza’s Ultra-Intelligent Interactive Cockpit that consists of a 50-inch heads-up display, a 12.3-inch full-LCD 3D instrument panel, a multi-control steering wheel wrapped in leather, as well as a modern gear lever. 

For entertainment and information accessibility, this plug-in hybrid SUV features a 15.6-inch ultra-HD center control screen that is equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, an OTA remote upgrade, a 4G network connection, and is paired with an 18-speaker Devialet audio system, delivering high-quality sound acoustics around the cabin. 

Practicality-wise, its cabin provides plenty of room for five adult passengers, while the trunk offers an impressive maximum luggage capacity of up to 1,064 liters. Its genuine leather seats offer great comfort and ergonomics, even on long-distance journeys. Plus, the driver can also benefit from ventilation, massage, and memory functions. For convenience, this plug-in hybrid SUV is fitted with a wireless charger, a 12V power port, a refrigerator, and a total of five USB ports, among other amenities. 

Appearance-wise, the Denza B5 doesn’t look like your typical electrified SUV. Its rugged design resembles that of many ICE-powered, off-road-ready vehicles available in the local market. It sports an imposing horizontally-slatted grille finished in black and a rugged bumper with a monotone skid plate underneath. Its bold-looking front end is illuminated by LED automatic matrix headlights with C-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs). 

Moreover, it features a boxy side profile complemented by a robust set of 18-inch wheels. Its electronically-adjustable and foldable side mirrors with memory and blind-spot monitoring functions add a modern touch to its overall appearance on the road. Additionally, its rugged silhouette is further enhanced by exaggerated wheel arches and bulged side skirts.

Meanwhile, its rear design combines classic SUV styling cues with modern lighting elements, highlighted by a full-size spare tyre cover. Its C-shaped LED combination lights along with a high-mounted third LED brake light provide enhanced illumination and visibility, especially at night. A soft-closing rear door and a sculpted rear bumper add to its rugged yet modern appeal.

In terms of dimensions, the Denza B5 measures 4,888 mm in length, 1,970 mm in width, and 1,920 mm in height. This midsize plug-in hybrid SUV also has a wheelbase of 2,800 mm. It also features a front double-layer sound-insulating glass, a rear privacy glass, and an electronic sunroof with an electronic sunshade.

In terms of suspension, the Denza B5 comes with a front and rear Double Wishbone setup. This SUV handles a wide range of terrain with ease, offering a supple ride both on- and off-road. Denza’s ‘Leopard Turn’ feature also adds to its off-road capability by improving maneuverability on rocky and muddy surfaces. However, it is worth noting that its suspension setup prioritizes comfort over sporty handling. As a result, the suspension can feel somewhat soft when tackling sharp corners and winding sections at higher speeds.

Powering the B5 is Denza’s plug-in hybrid technology that pairs a 1.5L turbocharged engine, producing 135 kW (181 hp) of maximum power, with two permanent magnet synchronous motors. The front motor generates 200 kW and 360 Nm, while the rear motor delivers 285 kW and 400 Nm. Feeding its electric motors is a 31.8-kWh battery pack that offers a 100-km NEDC pure electric range.

That said, its entire plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers 425 kW (570 hp) of combined power, 760 Nm of combined torque, and an NEDC comprehensive range of up to 975 kilometers. The B5 adopts a four-wheel drive technology (4WD).

The B5 proves to be an effortless high-speed cruiser, reaching 100 kmph from a standstill in just 4.8 seconds. Its strong torque output enables it to handle steep inclines with ease, even with a full load. With its impressive combined range, the SUV is just as suitable for daily city use as it is for long-distance journeys. On top of that, it also delivers respectable efficiency for its class.

Safety is one of the Denza B5’s main highlights. It features the brand’s DiPilot technology that consists of a smart driving surround view camera, a smart driving high perception camera, a high-precision millimeter wave radar, an ultrasonic radar, intelligent cruise control, forward and rearward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, as well as blind spot detection, among others.

Moreover, this plug-in hybrid SUV utilizes ventilated discs for both front and rear braking. Its braking setup is supported by an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, a hydraulic brake assist, electronic stability control, a distributed traction control system, and an intelligent power braking system, among others. 

The Denza B5 strikes an impressive balance between rugged capability, refined comfort, and everyday practicality, making it a versatile choice for both urban commutes and off-road adventures. With its strong performance, advanced technology, spacious cabin, and impressive range, it stands out as a compelling plug-in hybrid SUV for those seeking capability without sacrificing comfort.