Denza B5 driven: a 687-hp plug-in hybrid luxury SUV priced below a Toyota SW4

The B5, the first model Denza has launched in Brazil, has been the country's best-selling premium vehicle for three consecutive months (June through August), outselling the BMW X1 and Volvo XC60. Two versions are offered — the GL at R$ 405,000 and the GS at R$ 449,000, the latter the one tested — both undercutting the Toyota SW4 at R$ 475,990.

The plug-in hybrid drivetrain combines a 194-hp 1.5 turbo with a 272-hp front motor and a 387-hp rear motor, for a combined 687 hp and 77.5 kgfm. Despite weighing 3,055 kg, the SUV hit 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds in the publication's testing. Drive is electric 4x4 without a mechanical driveshaft, yet it retains low-range gearing and front and rear differential locks, plus 16 drive modes, up to 31 cm of ground clearance on air suspension, a 75 cm wading depth, and 39/35-degree approach and departure angles.

On the road, the comfort-biased tuning brings gentle body roll in corners, but the ride is quiet and plush enough to flatter rough city streets. The 31.8 kWh battery is officially rated at 74 km of electric range, though the outlet managed more than 100 km in everyday use; with the engine running it averaged 8.5 km/l in town and 8.1 km/l on the highway. Charging runs up to 11 kW AC or 100 kW DC, and unlike most PHEVs the B5 can also refill its battery from the gasoline engine while parked, shutting off automatically when done.

Inside, boxy off-road styling meets genuinely upscale materials, with discreet ambient lighting, twin 50-watt wireless chargers, and a compartment that can chill or heat contents anywhere from -6°C to 50°C.