DENZA N8 launched in China: 1,003km EV range, 5-minute flash charging, 4.5m turning radius, and more

DENZA has launched the all-electric N8 in China, adding a five-seat SUV to its line-up. Its headline figures include a claimed CLTC range of 1,003km, up to 1,193hp from a three-motor all-wheel-drive system and a 1,500kW flash-charging capability.

But for Hong Kong drivers, one of its more interesting features could be its 4.5-metre turning radius.

1,003km on a single charge

The Denza N8's EV version comes with two battery options. The larger 130.15kWh second-generation Blade Battery delivers a CLTC range of 1,003km, while the 105.79kWh option offers up to 800km. DENZA claims the longer-range version has the longest range of any all-electric SUV currently available.

A range figure of 1,003km may be more than most Hong Kong drivers need for daily use. It could, however, be useful for those who regularly travel across the border or do not have access to home charging.

10%-97% in nine minutes

The N8 is equipped with BYD's FLASH Charging technology, which supports a peak charging power of 1,500kW. Under the manufacturer's test conditions, charging from 10% to 70% takes around five minutes, while a 10% to 97% charge takes approximately nine minutes.

Even at -30°C, a charge from 20% to 97% is said to take around 12 minutes – just three minutes longer than under normal conditions.

These are figures based on the use of BYD's FLASH Charging network. Actual charging times will depend on charger availability and operating conditions, so the promised speeds will not necessarily be achievable at every charging station.

Three-motor version produces 1,193hp

DENZA offers the all-electric N8 with either rear-wheel drive or three-motor all-wheel drive. The rear-wheel-drive models are available with outputs of 320kW (429hp) and 370kW (496hp).

The AWD version uses the e³ platform, pairing a 270kW front motor with two 310kW motors on the rear axle. Combined output reaches 890kW (1,193hp), allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 2.9 seconds.

4.5-metre turning radius

The N8 measures 5,150mm long, 1,999mm wide and 1,820mm tall, with a 3,075mm wheelbase. Despite its size, DENZA says the SUV has a turning radius of just 4.5 metres.

This is made possible by the new e³ Evo system, which uses two independent electric motors to steer the rear wheels. It also enables pivot-turn and intelligent crab-walk functions.

For a market such as Hong Kong, where narrow roads and tight car park ramps are part of everyday driving, manoeuvrability could be a more practical advantage than the headline range. The N8 is also 50mm shorter than the six-seat N8L, although it shares the same width, height and wheelbase.

Five seats with a spacious cabin

DENZA describes the N8 as offering the space of a large six-seat SUV in a five-seat layout.

The cabin features zero-gravity front seats, a driver's seat that can recline into a lie-flat position, and second-row seats with up to 146 degrees of recline. The rear seats also offer leg rests, ventilation, heating and massage functions.

The seats can be arranged in several configurations to create different sleeping spaces, including a single-person bed, a full-length bed across the first and second rows, or an extended sleeping area combining the second row and boot.

Luggage capacity is 1,046 litres at the rear, while the front boot adds another 205 litres. Folding the second row increases rear cargo capacity to 2,150 litres. The cabin also has 33 storage compartments.

Interior and technology

The dashboard combines a 1.1-metre panoramic display with a 30-inch central screen. Its updated infotainment interface allows floating windows to be moved and resized.

The system includes an AI assistant called Didi Xia, which can understand natural and less specific voice requests, as well as help with tasks such as ordering food and booking hotels.

Driver assistance features are provided by DiPilot B with lidar and DiPilot 5.0, covering assisted navigation on urban roads and motorways.

Other equipment includes a Devialet sound system, a 6.8-litre refrigerator with heating and cooling functions, a 17.3-inch roof-mounted screen for rear passengers and powered side steps.

Air Suspension & 9 Airbags

The Denza N8 comes with DiSus-A dual-chamber closed air suspension. Its Road Preview 2.0 system scans the road ahead and adjusts the suspension in anticipation of changing surfaces.

The SUV is also designed to meet the 2024 C-NCAP five-star safety standard. Its body structure incorporates cell-to-body (CTB) technology and ultra-high-strength steel rated at up to 2,000MPa. Nine airbags are standard.

The DENZA N8 is available in six variants in China's Mainland, priced from RMB 269,900 to RMB 329,900 (approximately HK$318,000 to HK$388,000). Deliveries of the EV versions will begin first, followed by the PHEV variants.

DENZA's current line-up in Hong Kong is led by the D9, and the brand has yet to announce whether the N8 will be offered locally. There is also no confirmation of a right-hand-drive version or the powertrain options that might be available.

If it does make its way to Hong Kong, the N8 could stand out among large electric SUVs for its combination of cabin space and manoeuvrability. Its 1,003km claimed range may grab attention, but the 4.5-metre turning radius could prove more useful in everyday city driving.

Sources: BYD FLASH Charging technical release and DENZA official website.

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