Denza N8 breaks 1,000 km mark with 130 kWh battery
The race for ever-larger batteries in China continues: BYD's premium brand Denza is equipping the new N8 with a battery pack of more than 130 kWh. This is expected to give the electric SUV a range of more than 1,000 km - although that figure is based on the relatively optimistic Chinese CLTC test cycle.
The new Denza N8 was first unveiled in July with impressive specifications. Certification data from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has now provided further details about the battery and range of the electric SUV, which measures over five metres in length. According to the data, Denza will offer battery packs with capacities of 105.792 and 130.15 kWh. Depending on the configuration, these can deliver ranges of 800, 840, 970, or up to 1,003 km under the Chinese CLTC cycle. Even the extended-wheelbase N8L, which is five cm longer, is claimed to achieve up to 960 km on a single charge.
However, the four-digit range figure should be treated with caution. The CLTC cycle typically produces more optimistic results than the European WLTP test, and no official WLTP figures are available for the Denza N8 yet. The generous range is primarily achieved through an exceptionally large energy storage system, so it will be interesting to see how efficient the large SUV proves to be in real-world conditions.
Three electric motors deliver up to 890 kW
Denza is also pushing boundaries with its powertrain: entry-level variants are equipped with electric motors rated at 320 and 370 kW, respectively. The top-of-the-range model, however, features three motors: a 270 kW motor on the front axle and two 310 kW motors on the rear axle, combining for a total output of 890 kW. For charging, the N8 is expected to use BYD’s Flash-Charging technology. This could enable a charging session from 10 to 97 per cent in as little as nine minutes, according to Denza’s claims.
The N8 is also larger in size. At 5.15 metres in length, it is around 26 cm longer than its predecessor, placing it in the same league as the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS. The Denza N8L – the long-wheelbase version commonly offered in China – measures 5.20 m and features six seats instead of five.
Denza was originally established as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz. After Mercedes gradually reduced its involvement, BYD took full control and repositioned Denza as a premium brand. The first generation of the current N8 was initially launched as the Denza X before being rebranded in 2023. Denza is now playing a more significant role in BYD’s international expansion: the brand is already present in Germany, where it has opened its first dedicated stores.
In July, Denza sold 19,196 electric vehicles worldwide, marking a 68.8 per cent increase compared to the same month last year. This aligns with its parent company’s growth: BYD exported 179,841 vehicles in July, a 124 per cent year-on-year increase, with overseas sales accounting for 43 per cent of the group’s total volume.
However, it remains unclear whether the Denza N8 will be part of this expansion into Europe. Denza has not yet confirmed a launch in Germany or released specific pricing for the new electric versions. The existing N8 models are offered in China starting at around 300,000 yuan (~€38,450 euros). If Denza does bring the N8 to Europe, two figures will be of particular interest alongside the price and charging performance: the real-world range and the official WLTP figure.