Denza, the premium electric vehicle brand backed by BYD and Mercedes-Benz, has opened pre-sales for its new N8 large five-seat SUV in China. The model, which targets the 350,000 yuan (about $49,300) segment, is scheduled to go on sale in November, according to Chinese outlet 电动邦 (Dian Dong Bang).
Design and interior
The N8 adopts a new design language called “Elegant Momentum,” featuring a rounded body, a π-Motion front face, and multi-module headlights. It is offered in eight exterior colors and four interior themes. Inside, the SUV debuts a dual-screen setup consisting of a 1.1-meter panoramic display and a 30-inch main screen, which Denza claims is the industry's first such combination. The cabin also includes an AI assistant named “Didixia” that supports natural language commands for tasks like ordering food or booking hotels.
Performance and range
The N8 is available in both battery-electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions. The BEV variant boasts a CLTC range of 1,003 km (about 623 miles), which Denza says is the longest for any pure electric SUV globally. The PHEV version offers a CLTC electric-only range of 435 km (about 270 miles). Note that CLTC figures are typically 15-20% more optimistic than WLTP estimates, so the BEV's WLTP range is estimated at around 800-850 km (497-528 miles).
The SUV supports ultra-fast charging, with Denza claiming it can charge from empty to full in just 9 minutes, or 12 minutes at -30°C. It is equipped with the second-generation blade battery and Denza's flash charging technology.
Driving dynamics and safety
Denza N8 features the “Yi San Fang Evo” all-wheel-drive system, enabling a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 2.9 seconds. It also includes features like tank turns and crab walk, and has a turning radius of just 4.5 meters thanks to rear-wheel independent steering. The SUV comes standard with air suspension and a road preview system.
Safety is a priority, with the N8 designed to meet 2024 C-NCAP five-star standards. It includes a high-strength body with 2000 MPa steel, nine airbags, and advanced stability controls that prevent rollover during emergency maneuvers.
The N8 measures 5,150 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width, and 1,820 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,075 mm. It offers a 205-liter front trunk and a 1,046-liter rear cargo area, expandable to 2,150 liters with the rear seats folded. The interior features zero-gravity front seats, a reclining rear bench, and a 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted entertainment screen.
Pre-sale customers who pay a 2,000 yuan deposit can receive either a 5,000 yuan aesthetic package or a comfort package including side awnings, roof rails, and an air mattress. Denza says more details will be revealed at the official launch in November, promising additional advanced technologies in chassis, powertrain, and intelligence.
