First Look Review: Denza B3 squeezes big SUV character into a compact footprint

Having established its core brand, BYD has been looking for new diversification opportunities in recent years. In 2022, the company repositioned Denza as a proper luxury brand, and a year later, it introduced a new off-road vehicle-focused brand called Fangchengbao.

Outside China, including in the UK, BYD markets Fangchengbao models under the Denza brand. At the 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show, we had a chance to check out the Fangchengbao Tai 3, the brand’s smallest model, marketed as the ‘Denza B3.’ Here are some interesting observations we made: 

Design

Denza B3 front three quarter
The B3 looks like a ladder-frame SUV, but actually uses a monocoque platform like any other electric crossover.

Positioned under the Denza B5, the Denza B3 has a brawny exterior with robust proportions that lend it an authentic SUV character. While the design is unique, its upright stance and greenhouse shape subtly recall the fourth-generation Mitsubishi Shogun (Pajero in markets like Australia and New Zealand).

The upright and powerful front incorporates a closed-off upper grille with a slim opening that conceals the frunk release, boxy sweptback headlamps with a dual-line signature, an off-road-oriented lower bumper design with prominent cladding, and a compact lower air intake. The high-positioned, flat bonnet with raised outer sections adds to the tough look.

Muscular bodywork with thick contours, a rectangular greenhouse, flared wheel arches, and raised roof rails continue the proper SUV theme along the sides. In contrast, retractable door handles and teal blue dual-line light signatures in the door mirrors introduce a modern touch.

At the rear, a secured storage box mounted on the side-opening tailgate mimics a spare wheel carrier and reinforces the blocky design. Its cover doubles as a tray table when opened. In person, the dual-line tail lights carry a rather sleek look.

Interior

The interior of the Denza B3 follows a largely conventional layout. The dashboard, door panels, and steering wheel feature pronounced surfaces, while a wide centre console with a raised section, integrated grab bars, and toggle switches reinforces the off-road theme.

A 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a hot/cold refrigerator, a 14-speaker Devialet music system, a 12.0-inch W-HUD, and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster are some of the key tech features here.

The front seats are 8-way (driver)/6-way (passenger) electrically adjustable, and they feature 4-way power adjustable lumbar support and memory, ventilation, and heating functions. The front passenger seat includes a leg rest as well.

Experience in the Denza B3

Denza B3 front seats
There are no assist grips in the A- or B-pillars. While they aren’t needed, visually they would have aligned with the vehicle’s SUV-focused design.

For a 5’7″ tall person like me, ingress and egress in the Denza B3 poses no challenge. The door openings are wide, and the step-in height feels manageable.

The front seats offer good back and shoulder support, with adequate under-thigh support for longer drives. The seating position is upright, which suits the SUV character. Headroom is about six inches, and outward visibility is clear in all directions, aided by the upright glass area and large mirrors.

The centre console is wide and sits relatively high, which enhances the sense of separation between the driver and passenger. The integrated grab bars and toggle-style switches are within easy reach and feel intuitive to use.

Denza B3 rear seat

Physical controls for key functions reduce reliance on the touchscreen. The cabin uses well-finished materials, with soft-touch surfaces across key areas. Gloss-finish inserts are used in several places to replicate a metallic look.

In the rear, access is straightforward, and the bench offers good back support. Headroom is about four inches, while legroom and knee room are generous for this segment. A slightly raised floor section below the front seats allows a more natural foot position. The under-thigh support is also good, and the backrest is fixed but set at a comfortable angle for my frame.

Rear amenities include two USB ports (Type-A and Type-C), vertically positioned AC vents, seatback pockets, bottle holders, and a fold-out centre armrest with two cupholders. Overall, the cabin prioritises usability and physical interaction over a screen-heavy layout.

Specifications

The Denza B3 is 4,605 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,720 mm tall and has a 2,745 mm wheelbase. In China, it is available in a single-motor RWD variant and a dual-motor AWD variant.

The single-motor RWD variant packs 240 kW (322 bhp) and 305 Nm (225 lb.-ft.) of torque, which allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 7.3 seconds and gives it a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph). It has a 75.6 kWh LFP battery pack that delivers a CLTC range of 620 kilometres (385 miles).

The dual-motor AWD variant, with 375 kW (503 bhp) and 505 Nm (372 lb.-ft.) of torque, hits 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 4.7 seconds but maxes out at the same 210 km/h (130 mph). It uses the same 75.6 kWh LFP battery pack, but it can travel only up to 565 kilometres (351 miles) on a single charge, also as per CLTC.

Price

In China, the Denza B3 retails at CNY 153,800 (approx. GBP 16,900) in the single-motor RWD variant and at CNY 169,800 (approx. GBP 18,700) in the dual-motor AWD variant. While the Denza B5 (Fangchengbao Bao 5) has been confirmed for the UK this year, there’s no official word on the arrival of the B3.