The BYD Denza B5, a robust body-on-frame plug-in hybrid SUV, has achieved an impressive five-star rating in the latest ANCAP crash and safety evaluations. This result highlights its strong performance across various safety scenarios, a crucial aspect as the vehicle prepares for its international debut. While known as the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5 in its home market of China, where it launched in 2023, the SUV will carry the Denza B5 badge for global markets, with Australia slated to be its first launch territory in 2026.
Built for Toughness and Tech
Underneath, the Denza B5 rides on BYD’s dedicated DMO platform, designed for off-road capability. This SUV is no small machine, measuring 4890 mm long, 1970 mm wide, and 1920 mm tall, with a generous 2800 mm wheelbase. For those adventurous spirits, its hydraulic suspension system allows the ground clearance to extend to a substantial 310 mm, ready to tackle challenging terrains. Powering this beast is a sophisticated plug-in hybrid setup that combines a 1.5-liter engine with two electric motors, delivering a formidable 505 kW (650 hp).
ANCAP’s Rigorous Assessment
The Australian NCAP put the Denza B5 through its paces, and the results speak volumes about its engineering. It excelled in the Child Occupant Protection category, scoring an outstanding 95%. This demonstrates excellent safeguarding for younger passengers in both frontal offset and side impact collisions. The only minor critique from ANCAP experts involved the rear center seating position, where one specific booster seat could not be perfectly installed. While this is a small detail, it’s worth noting for families.
In the Adult Occupant Protection category, the Denza B5 achieved a solid 86%. The passenger cell maintained its structural integrity remarkably well during collisions, ensuring a high degree of occupant safety. However, a slight penalty was incurred because the front structure posed some risk to occupants of an oncoming vehicle in a frontal offset collision. This shows ANCAP’s thoroughness in evaluating not just internal safety but also potential external impacts.
Advanced Safety Features and Pedestrian Protection
The Denza B5 also performed well in the Vulnerable Road User Protection segment, securing a 74% rating. Its advanced AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) system proved highly effective in most scenarios. Yet, the AEB Backover scenario showed marginal performance. Additionally, certain areas like the windscreen pillars, the base of the windscreen, and the front edge of the bonnet surface received marginal, weak, or poor ratings for pedestrian head impact protection. This highlights areas where further refinements could enhance safety for those outside the vehicle. Finally, the Safety Assist category saw the BYD Denza B5 earn a respectable 78%, underscoring its suite of active safety technologies.
As BYD continues its global expansion, the Denza B5 is poised to make a real statement. With Australia leading the charge for its international launch in 2026, it’s clear that BYD’s luxury brand Yangwang is serious about competing with established premium automakers worldwide. The B5’s strong ANCAP showing provides a solid foundation, especially given the continuous advancements in Chinese EV technology and safety standards. This off-road focused SUV, known for its rugged looks and powerful hybrid powertrain, is ready to carve out its niche in the global market, backed by impressive safety credentials from a respected Australian testing body.
