Latest news with #B5
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Denza B8 SUV could arrive in SA alongside B5 next year
BYD-owned Denza has released specification details of the export market B8 destined for the Middle East and African markets. What is it? According to The Citizen, the rebadged version of the Chinese domestic market Fangchengbao Bao 8, the B8 rides on the same Dual Mode Offroad body-on-frame platform as the BYD Shark bakkie, with dimensions of 5 195mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 2 920mm, width of 1 994mm and height of 1 875mm. Currently only the second Fangchengbao model to be badged as a Denza – the other being the Bao 5 that will be called the Denza B5 – the Bao 8 provides seating for four, five, six or seven in China, though the B8 is likely to offer only the latter two configurations. Similar to the B5, the B8 comes equipped with BYD's Disus-P hydraulic adaptive air suspension that increases ground clearance from 220mm to 310mm. In the latter position, the B8 has an approach angle of 34 degrees and a departure angle of 35 degrees. No details on its breakover angle were divulged. Packed spec and more Available in four trim levels in its home market, notable specification comprises the same three-screen layout as the Bao 5/B5 – a 17.3-inch infotainment display and two 12.3-inch screens for the passenger side and instrument cluster. Also included is BYD's latest LiDAR system, an augmented reality head-up display projected onto the windscreen, a night vision camera, no fewer than 14 airbags, a fragrance dispenser, automatic parking and an 18-speaker sound system. As an option, the Chinese-market Bao 8 offers an unofficially titled drone package as part of a joint development with manufacturer DJI. Besides the actual drone itself, which can travel at up to 54 km/h, a docking station has been placed on the Bao 8's roof, complete with a charging system that requires a waiting time of 30 minutes from 30–80%. Supercar power For the Bao 8 itself, motivation comes from a plug-in powertrain, but not modelled around the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine as in the Bao 5/B5 and Shark. Instead, the setup uses BYD's 2.0-litre turbo-petrol working in conjunction with a 36.8kWh Blade battery pack powering two electric motors. As in the Bao, the B8 will use this configuration when it goes on sale outside China, meaning the same combined output of 550kW and 0–100 km/h in 4.8s. The claimed all-electric range is 100km and the combined range, with the combustion engine included, is 1 200km. As well as low range and three locking differentials, the B8 also comes equipped with five off-road modes: Wading, Snow, Sand, Rock, Mud and Mountain. Coming? Priced from 379 800 to 407 800 yuan (R936 713 to R1 005 771) in China – with drone-equipped variants ranging from 395 800 to 423 800 yuan (R976 175 to R1 045 232) – the B8 has reportedly been confirmed for South Africa as a step-up from the B5. This, according to which claims the export roll-out will start from the third quarter of the year in the mentioned African and Middle East markets. According to a related post from CAR Magazine, local Denza operations will start early next year, headed by the B5, with the B8 likely to either follow later or arrive at the same time. As it stands, clarity will only emerge in 2026.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Report: Denza tipped to bring flagship B8 SUV to South Africa
Known as the Fangchengbao Boa 8 in China, the B8 uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain with two electric motors and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 550 kW. BYD-owned Denza has released specification details of the export market B8 destined for the Middle East and African markets. What is it? The rebadged version of the Chinese domestic market Fangchengbao Bao 8, the B8 rides on the same Dual Mode Offroad body-on-platform as the BYD Shark bakkie, with dimensions of 5 195 mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 2 920 mm, width of 1 994 mm and height of 1 875 mm. Currently only the second Fangchengbao model to be badged as a Denza, the other being the Bao 5 that will be called Denza B5, the Bao 8 provides seating for four, five, six or seven in China, though the B8 is likely to offer the latter pair only. ALSO READ: Denza's entry: Two additional models South Africa could get Similar to the B5, the B8 comes equipped with BYD's Disus-P hydraulic adaptive air suspension that increases ground clearance from 220 mm to 310 mm. In the latter position, the B8 has an approach angle of 34-degrees and departure of 35-degrees. No details on its breakover angle were divulged. Packed spec.. and more Available in four trim levels in its home market, notable specification comprises the same three screen layout as the Bao 5/B5; a 17.3-inch infotainment and two 12.3-inch displays on the passenger side and for the instrument cluster. Also included is BYD's latest LiDAR system, an augmented reality Head-Up Display projected onto the windscreen, a Night Vision camera, no less than 14 airbags, a fragrance dispenser, Automatic Parking and an 18-speaker sound system. Interior is dominated by three displays. Image: Fangchengbao China As an option, the Chinese-market Bao 8 offers an unofficially titled drone package as part of a joint development with manufacturer, DJI Besides the actual drone itself, which can travel at up to 54 km/h, a docking station has been placed on the Bao 8's roof, complete with a charging system that require a waiting time of 30 minutes from 30-80%. Supercar power For the Bao 8 itself, motivation comes from a plug-in powertrain, but not modelled around the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine as in the Bao 5/B5 and Shark. Instead, the setup uses BYD's 2.0-litre turbo-petrol working on conjunction with a 36.8-kWh Blade battery pack powering two electric motors. At just under 5.2 m long, the Bao 8/B8 can seat between four and seven. Image: Fangchengbao China As in the Bao, the B8 will use this configuration when it goes on-sale outside China, meaning the same combined output of 550 kW and 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds. The claimed all-electric range is 100 km and the combined, with the combustion engine included, 1 200 km. As well as low range and three locking differentials, the B8 also comes equipped with five off-road modes; Wading, Snow, Sand, Rock, Mud and Mountain. Coming? Priced from 379 800 to 407 800 yuan (R936 713 to R1 005 771) in China, with drone equipped variants ranging from 395 800 to 423 800 yuan (R976 175 to R1 045 232) the B8 has, reportedly, been confirmed for South Africa as a step-up from the B5. This, according to who allege export roll-out to start from the third quarter of the year in the the mentioned African and Middle East markets. According to a related post from CAR Magazine, local Denza operations will start early next year, headed by the B5, with the B8 likely to either follow later or arrive at the same time. As is stands, clarity will only emerge in 2026. ALSO READ: Speculation over: BYD-owned Denza coming to South Africa
The Citizen
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Denza's expansion: Two additional models South Africa could get
For the moment, only one model as been confirmed, however, a likely expansion could potentially bring the brand's flagship MPV and SUV. Its arrival in South Africa taking place next year, BYD-owned Denza will become the 15th Chinese brand to have a presence in the local market. Joining a growing list Debuting in early 2026 with the B5, a rebadged version of its Fangchengbao brand's Bao 5 SUV based on the same platform as the BYD Shark bakkie, the debut of Denza will follow those of its parent company, as well as the current marques from the People's Republic: BAIC; Chery; Dayun; Dongfeng; Foton; GAC; GWM Haval; JAC; Jaecoo; Jetour; LDV; MG; Omoda In addition, further arrivals from Changan and Deepal, as well as the pending return of Geely and JMC will bump the number to 19 before the end of the year. Arriving next A joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz started 15-years ago, but wholly owned by BYD since last year, the global Denza range consists of five products motivated either by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or all-electric powertrain. ALSO READ: Speculation over: BYD-owned Denza coming to South Africa In addition to the Fangchengbao Bao 8 possibly making landfall as the Denza B8 to rival the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Fortuner, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Isuzu MU-X and Mahindra Scorpio-N as well, in-house Denza options could include the PHEV versions of the D9 MPV and the N9 SUV. As a result of BYD marketing the Seal locally, the Z9 sedan and its Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo-inspired Z9 GT fastback estate are not expected to be offered, with the same likely to apply to the all-electric N7 crossover. D9 The oldest model's in Denza's product range having debuted three years ago, the Kia Carnival-rivalling D9 comes in both PHEV and electric guises, with the former presenting the best option in the case of sales being approved for South Africa. On-sale since the end of last year in Thailand, thus making it available with right-hand-drive, the D9 has measurements of 5 250 mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 3 110 mm, height of 1 920 mm and width of 1 950 mm. The recipient of a mid-life refresh last year in preparation for its Thai debut, the D9, in China, comes with seven seats, however, an ultra-luxurious four-seater, called the Pioneer, can be had in which the centre row makes way for a bulkhead partition with an integrated screen. If approved for South Africa, the D9 will take aim at the Kia Carnival. In addition, a console separates the pair of captain's style chairs, complete with an integrated tablet-style display, storage areas and an upper cooled storage hold. The seats themselves, meanwhile, are electric and feature ventilation, heating and massaging functions. Based on BYD's DM-i platform made specifically for plug-in hybrids, the D9's choice of powerunits comprises two options, both modelled around a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine. Interior is headlined by no less than three displays. Image: Denza China In the first instance, the petrol's 102 kW is backed-up by a 20.3-kWh Blade battery pack powering a single 170 kW electric motor. Combined, the system produces 221 kW and allows for an all-electric range of 103 km based on China's CLTC measurements. Unofficially called the 'long range' option, the second variant involves a 40-kWh battery with the same electric motor and outputs, but an EV-only range of 200 km. Top-spec Pioneer comes standard with four seats and a massive rear display integrated into a partition behind the front seats. Image: Denza China Combined with the petrol engine, the 'long range' has a claimed distance of 1 050 km versus the 'standard's' 970 km. Serving as the range's flagship, the all-wheel-drive D9 adds a second 45 kW electric motor to the front axle for a total output of 299 kW. The claimed electric range is 180 km and the combined, 980 km. Pricing in China kicks-off at 339 800 yuan, which amounts to R852 594 when directly converted. N9 Revealed as the end of last year as its flagship SUV, the N9 not only serves as Denza's flagship SUV, but also its most powerful plug-in hybrid product. Utilising a 2-2-2 seating arrangement, in addition to being inclusive of BYD's latest LiDAR system, the N9 rides on its parent company's latest e-Platform 3.0 with dimensions of 5 258 mm in length, a wheelbase of 3 125 mm, width of 2 030 mm and height of 1 830 mm. Reportedly equipped with a crab walking function as well as a tank turn-style, up front, N9 combines BYD's 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 46.9-kWh Blade battery powering no less than electric motors. In total, this amounts to 680 kW, a reported top speed of 230 km/h, according to and an electric-only range of 202 km. The combined is 1 302 km. On the spec front, and depending on the trim level, the N9 sports a Head-Up Display projected onto the windscreen, a 26-speaker sound system, a BMW 7 Series-style 17.3-inch flip-down screen, refrigerated second-row centre console, a 3.2 m3 panoramic glass roof, electric, cooled, heated and massaging second-row, and Nappa leather upholstery. As standard, Denza has fitted the N9 with three displays; a 13.2-inch instrument cluster, a 17.3-inch infotainment and a 13.2-inch on the passenger side. For the moment, neither the mentioned models have received approval and as mentioned, expect final confirmation to only emerge at the end of the year or before Denza's official product launch next year. NOW READ: What next from BYD? Three more products coming to South Africa
The Citizen
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Speculation over: BYD-owned Denza coming to South Africa
Upscale brand will launch with a rebadged version of off-road sister brand Fangchengbao's Boa 5 plug-in hybrid SUV. Speculated at the beginning of the year as being another Chinese manufacturer heading to South Africa, a new report has confirmed BYD-owned Denza as, indeed, heading to market next year. Three-pointed star influence Founded as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz 15 years ago, a complete line-up reshuffle five years ago resulted in Stuttgart reducing its stake in Denza, before being bought out last year. ALSO READ: BYD Sealion 7 priced as brand's new flagship EV crossover Soon to launch in key other right-hand-drive markets such as the United Kingdom and Australia, the brand, which specialises in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, will reportedly launch a single product initially, before expanding its portfolio. First product coming According to CAR Magazine, the model in question will be a B5, a rebadged version of the Boa 5 sold under the Fangchengbao brand in China. Unveiled two years ago as the first Fangchengbao product, with the long wheelbase Boa 8 arriving the following year, the Boa 5/B5 rides on the same body-on-frame DMO or Dual Mode Offroad platform as the BYD Shark bakkie, with dimensions with 4 890 mm in overall length, a width of 1 970, height of 1 920 mm and wheelbase of 2 800 mm. Bao 5 or Denza B5 will ride on the same platform as the BYD Shark. Image: Fangchengbao China Sporting a ground clearance of 220 mm, the B5 can, however, be equipped with BYD's Disus-P hydraulic suspension developed for the YangWang division of ultra-luxury, performance vehicles, which raises its clearance to 310 mm. Offering an approach angle of 35-degrees and departure of 32-degrees, up front, the B5 uses the familiar combination of a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine combined with BYD's own battery pack driving two electric motors. Boa 5's interior sports three displays. Image: Fangchengbao China Similar in layout to the Shark, the battery pack outputs 31.8-kWh, with the front motor producing 200 kW and the rear 285 kW. Combined with the petrol engine's 135 kW, the Boa 5/B5 develops a combined 505kW/760Nm, resulting in a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds. Supporting DC charging up to 100 kW will require a waiting time of 16 minutes from 30-80%, with the claimed EV range being 125 km according to China's CLTC measuring system. With the petrol engine included, Denza reports a total range of 1 200 km. In terms of spec, the Chinese market Boa 5 comes equipped with three displays; a 15.6-inch infotainment, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch on the passenger side. Three-row Boa 8 could, possibly, also arrive in South Africa. Image: Fangchengbao China Retaining the same centre console as the Shark with physical buttons and switchgear, the B5/Boa 5 also sports a Head-Up Display projected onto the windscreen, three locking differentials and a Devialet sound system. Priced from 289 800 yuan to 352 800 yuan in China, which amounts to a directly converted R721 499 to R878 489, stickers for the South African B5 remains unknown at present. Other products likely Aside from the Boa 5/B5, other models line-up for South Africa could include the newly launched N9 SUV, the D9 MPV and possibly the Z9 that will spearhead its operations in Europe, along with the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo fastback estate-styled Z9 GT. As mentioned, full plans about Denza's market launch will only come to the fore next year. Additional information from Denza China, NOW READ: Plug-in hybrid BYD Sealion 6 lands in South Africa
The Citizen
28-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Volvo South Africa hands extended maintenance plan to XC60
Extended plan from three to seven years is, however, for a limited time only. All versions of the Volvo XC60 now come with an extended maintenance plan. Picture: Volvo Volvo Cars South Africa is offering customers an extended maintenance on all new XC60 models for a limited time. This applies to all variants, including the mild-hybrid B5 and the plug-in hybrid T8 Recharge. This new seven-year/140 000 km maintenance plan replaces the current three-year/60 000 km. This is available nationwide until the end of September 2025, subject to vehicle availability. 'Extending the maintenance plan of the XC60 reflects Volvo Car South Africa's focus on long-term vehicle care and customer value,' Grant Locke, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa says. 'It forms part of our broader commitment to delivering an ownership experience that matches the quality of our vehicles and the needs of today's drivers.' NOW READ: Volvo approves three new models for 2025 and a surprise 2026 arrival Locally, the XC60 remains one of Volvo's most popular models. 'The XC60 recently became the best-selling model in the brand's history. Since its launch in 2008, it has achieved more than 2.7-million global sales, surpassing even the iconic 240,' added Locke. The maintenance plan covers all scheduled services, including labour, parts, and software updates, as per Volvo's recommended service schedule, providing owners with added confidence and control over running costs. NOW READ: Plug-in hybrid Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge still shock and lots of awe
