Denza B5 (Orion) Review: Heavyweight Disruptor

There are moments in the automotive world when a newcomer doesn’t just arrive - it barges in, kicks the door open, and politely shakes your hand. The Denza B5 plug-in hybrid is exactly that sort of guest; you don’t expect it to behave this way, not on its first outing in a segment dominated by heritage-laden heavyweights. Yet here it is, confidently straddling the line between rugged off-roader and luxury cruiser, as if it has been doing this for decades.

Let’s get one thing out of the way first - the B5 looks the part. And in this all-black test unit, it carries an unmistakable presence; the sort that makes you check your speed instinctively when it appears in your rear-view mirror. More than once, I found other motorists courteously yielding without hesitation. Whether that was due to its vaguely law enforcement-esque silhouette or simply its sheer visual authority, I’ll never know.

But presence? Oh, it has that in spades.

Size Matters

Park it next to the usual suspects - the Mercedes-Benz G500, Land Rover Defender 110, and Jeep Wrangler - and the Denza doesn’t shrink into the background. If anything, it holds its own remarkably well. The G-Class still has that iconic, upright, vault-on-wheels stance, while the Defender exudes modern rugged sophistication and the Wrangler remains charmingly utilitarian.

But the B5? It feels like the smart kid in the room who also happens to be built like a rugby forward.

Dimensionally, it plays in the same league; but what stands out is how Denza has maximised interior packaging. It doesn’t just match these rivals in road presence, it quietly surpasses them in usable cabin space and refinement. That’s the trick here: While the others lean heavily into their off-road personas, the B5 sneaks in with a far more complete, almost family-friendly proposition.

Aesthetics

Now here’s where things get interesting.

Luxury is not a word you’d typically associate with this segment. “Durable”, “rugged”, “washable” perhaps; but “luxurious”? That’s usually reserved for softer, more road-biased SUVs.

Denza, however, clearly didn’t get that memo.

Step inside the B5 and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels… ambitious. In a good way, of course.

Materials are solid, tactile, and convincingly premium. The kind that makes you run your fingers along surfaces just to confirm they’re… real. For a first attempt, Denza hasn’t just passed - it’s scored full marks. There’s cohesiveness here.

The large glass roof floods the cabin with light, giving it an airy, almost lounge-like atmosphere. On a Sunday morning drive along the ECP, with the sun gently filtering through, it transforms the entire driving experience into something bordering on therapeutic. The integrated sunroof is a thoughtful touch; functional without being intrusive.

Refinement is another pleasant surprise. The cabin is impressively insulated from the outside world. Wind noise? Minimal. Tyre roar? Kept firmly in check. It’s the kind of quiet that allows the star of the show to shine: the Devialet sound system.

And what a bloody impressive system it is.

This 16-speaker setup isn’t just about volume, it’s about precision. The soundstage is beautifully balanced, with crisp highs and a depth that wraps around the entire cabin. Whoever tuned this system clearly knows their craft. Heck, I found myself revisiting Bruno Mars’ The Romantic album (yes, willingly) and appreciating nuances I hadn’t noticed before; all without needing to crank up the volume.

Seats are another highlight. Supportive, plush, and thoughtfully contoured, they make long-distance driving an absolute breeze. Finding the perfect driving position is effortless, while passengers are equally well catered for. The rear bench comfortably accommodates three average-sized adults; or, if you prefer, approximately 15 cats. You get the idea…

Under The Skin

Now, let’s talk about what powers this rather impressive machine.

The Denza B5 is a plug-in hybrid, combining a 4-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors. The result is a formidable system output that hovers around the 670 hp mark, with torque figures that comfortably exceed 700 Nm. In layman’s terms, it moves; and with conviction.

For something tipping the scales at close to three tonnes, the B5 accelerates with an urgency that feels almost… cheeky. Plant your right foot and the response is immediate - there’s barely a moment’s hesitation before the full force of its hybrid muscle comes into play. That near-instant surge explains its rather eye-opening 0–100 km/h time of just 4.8 seconds. Yes, in a machine this size.

And that should give a few hot-hatch drivers pause. You know the type - the ones who pull up alongside, glance over, and think, “I can outrun this behemoth.” The B5 has a rather amusing way of rewriting that assumption, usually before the next set of traffic lights.

Energy is stored in BYD’s well-regarded LFP Blade Battery, a lithium iron phosphate unit known for its durability, thermal stability, and safety. In a vehicle of this size and purpose, that’s a significant advantage. While the world continues its march towards full electrification, the B5’s setup offers a compelling middle ground - think about it, usable electric mobility without the anxiety of range limitations.

Switching between hybrid and full EV mode is seamless, and more importantly, intuitive: A simple touch of a button is all it takes. The fully electric range isn’t groundbreaking, yes, but it’s sufficient for daily urban commutes; allowing you to glide through city traffic in near silence, saving fuel for when it truly matters. Tampines to Jurong West on full EV mode? Not an issue, mate.

Driving It

Let’s be realistic here. This is not a sports SUV.

Expecting Porsche Cayenne levels of agility would be, frankly, missing the point entirely. The B5 sits on a body-on-frame chassis - a proper off-roader’s architecture. It’s built to endure, to climb, to traverse terrain that would make… ahem… softer SUVs think twice.

So no, it doesn’t dart into corners like a BMW X5.

Instead, it flows.

There’s a gentle rhythm to how the body moves, particularly along winding roads like South Buona Vista Road. It leans, settles, and carries on with a reassuring sense of composure. Importantly, it never feels clumsy or unsettling. You won’t be reaching for motion sickness tablets; and that, in itself, is an achievement for something of this size and height.

Visibility, thankfully, is largely well thought out. The side mirrors are generously sized and perfectly proportioned, giving you a clear and confident view down the car’s flanks; particularly useful when navigating tight carparks or squeezing through narrower lanes. That said, the A-pillar is quite substantial, and can occasionally present a blind spot at certain junctions, so a little extra caution when peering out is advised.

Steering offers decent feedback, enough to keep you engaged without demanding too much effort. It’s predictable, dependable, and well-suited for daily driving duties.

Braking, however, is where physics reminds you who’s boss.

At close to three tonnes, the B5 carries significant mass. From higher speeds, you do feel the inertia - a noticeable nose dive, and a slightly longer stopping distance than you might expect. It’s not alarming, but it does require a degree of anticipation. A bit more bite from the brakes wouldn’t go amiss.

In A Nutshell

What Denza has achieved here is, quite frankly, remarkable.

The B5 doesn’t just compete; it challenges the established order. It blends rugged capability with genuine luxury, wraps it in a technologically advanced package, and delivers it with a level of polish that belies its newcomer status.

And then comes the part that really makes you pause.

It is also, for lack of a better word, the most affordable option when placed alongside the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Land Rover Defender, and Jeep Wrangler. In a segment where prices can climb faster than the vehicles themselves over rocky terrain, the B5 feels almost… sensible.

Factor in just how complete this SUV is - performance, luxury, technology, presence - and suddenly, taking a closer look doesn’t just make sense; it feels inevitable.

Don’t blame us if you walk into the showroom for a quick peek and somehow “accidentally” sign on the dotted line…

You can comfortably travel anywhere around Singapore with this car.

Reverse camera lens is cleverly integrated into the rear spare wheel area.

The armrest fridge's temperature can be set anywhere between -5 to 5 degree Celcius.

Off-Road mode can be easily selected on the steering wheel.

Photos by Azfar Hashim (@azfar.talks)

---

Car you sell, Carousell. Get the highest quote for your car in just 24 hours, with assistance on paperwork too!