The BYD Denza B8, a large SUV also sold in China as the Fang Cheng Bao Leopard 8, has received a five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). The vehicle demonstrated strong performance across key crash test scenarios, though some limitations were noted in specific areas of occupant and pedestrian protection. This result is significant because it validates BYD’s commitment to safety standards in its expanding global market.
Crash Test Performance Breakdown
The Denza B8 excelled in child occupant protection, scoring 95%—the highest result in this category. The vehicle provided good protection in frontal offset and side impact tests. However, ANCAP identified a critical issue: the absence of top tethers in third-row seats renders child restraint installation in the rearmost row unsafe. This is a notable drawback for families who may rely on the seven-seat configuration.
Adult occupant protection was rated at 86%. While the Denza B8 offered adequate neck and chest protection in frontal impacts, performance was marginal in the oblique pole test. Vulnerable road user safety scored 75%, with mixed results. Specifically, ANCAP reported poor pelvis protection due to stiff windscreen pillars and bonnet edges. This highlights the risks to pedestrians in the event of a collision.
Safety Assist Systems: Areas for Improvement
The Denza B8 achieved a 78% rating in safety assist, indicating solid performance in autonomous emergency braking (AEB) tests. However, the vehicle’s driver monitoring system lacks intervention features that could prevent crashes when the driver is distracted, fatigued, or unresponsive. The lane departure warning (LDW) system also failed to meet ANCAP’s standards. These deficiencies suggest a need for software updates or hardware improvements to enhance active safety capabilities.
Vehicle Specifications and Market Positioning
The Denza B8 is a sizable body-on-frame SUV, measuring 5,195 mm in length with a 2,920 mm wheelbase. It features the DiSus-P intelligent suspension and boasts a high ground clearance of 310 mm. The Australian market variant combines a 2-liter engine with dual electric motors, delivering a combined output of 425 kW (570 hp). The plug-in hybrid system includes a 36.8 kWh LFP Blade Battery and a 91-liter fuel tank, enabling a NEDC-rated mixed range of 1,040 km. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 4.8 seconds, and the vehicle can tow up to 3,500 kg. Pricing in Australia ranges from 91,000 to 97,990 AUD (approximately $64,360–$69,300 USD).
The Denza B8’s five-star ANCAP rating confirms its structural integrity and crashworthiness, but the identified safety shortcomings—particularly regarding third-row child restraint compatibility and driver assist features—should be addressed to maximize occupant protection.
