Denza OTA update boosts B5, B8 capabilities

DENZA has rolled out its first major over-the-air (OTA) software update for Australian customers, introducing a suite of towing, off-road, safety, and convenience enhancements for its B5 and B8 plug-in hybrid off-road SUVs.

The complimentary Version 1.1.0 update is being delivered remotely to owners without the need for a dealership visit and reflects a growing trend among vehicle manufacturers to improve products through software rather than traditional model-year updates.

Denza says the upgrades stem from Australian customer feedback and extensive local engineering development aimed at tailoring the vehicles to local conditions.

Denza Australia’s chief operating officer Mark Harland said the update demonstrates the brand’s commitment to continuous improvement.

“We are listening to customer feedback, not only through our local engineering team but also through real-world experiences shared by owners driving on Australian roads and tracks,” he said.

“Whether it’s improved towing capability, greater off-road confidence or enhanced convenience, and safety features, these updates are designed to deliver meaningful improvements that customers will notice in everyday driving.”

The biggest gains focus on towing performance, a key purchasing consideration for many large SUV buyers.

The Denza B5 now receives cruise control operation while towing, dedicated towing mode switch, trailer weight selection functionality, and the automatic adjustment of vehicle performance parameters for improved stability and safety.

The larger Denza B8 gains cruise control while towing, dynamic range estimation when towing, and more accurate real-world driving range calculations under load.

Denza says the changes provide greater confidence and reduce driver fatigue during long-distance towing.

The update also incorporates lessons learned during testing at Queensland’s notorious Beer O’Clock Hill, where both vehicles were evaluated earlier this year.

Data collected during those real-world assessments was used to further refine Denza’s Dual Mode Off-Road (DMO) platform.

Key revisions include updated traction control algorithms, improved wheel-speed management, revised electric motor torque coordination, enhanced stability on loose surfaces, and greater flexibility in sand driving conditions.

Denza says the recalibration delivers improved off-road control and driver confidence in challenging terrain.

A number of safety and convenience upgrades have also been introduced.

Both the B5 and B8 now receive head-up display turn-signal visibility, driver password lock functionality, and improved vehicle security.

The seven-seat B8 additionally adds enhanced anti-jam protection for second-row seats, enhanced anti-jam protection for third-row seats, and automatic resistance detection during seat folding operations.

Combined, Denza B5 and B8 sales have already surpassed those of rivals such as the Lexus GX and are tracking ahead of the plug-in hybrid versions of the GWM Tank 500 in what remains a relatively niche segment.

Denza Australia’s range is set to expand further again before the end of the year with the arrival of the Z9 GT, which will introduce BYD's next-generation Blade Battery 2.0 technology and ultra-fast charging capability to the local market.