BYD’s premium sub-brand Denza has rolled out its first major over-the-air (OTA) software update for Australian owners of the Denza B5 and Denza B8 PHEV SUVs, delivering a wide range of improvements focused on towing, off-road performance, safety and everyday usability.
The complimentary Version 1.1.0 update is being pushed directly to customer vehicles digitally, meaning owners won’t need to visit a dealership to access the new features.
The upgrade also highlights how heavily software is now shaping the modern car ownership experience, especially for brands under the BYD umbrella.
Denza B5 OTA update: Towing upgrades
The latest OTA update significantly expands towing functionality for the Denza B5. The added features include:
- Cruise control while towing
- Dedicated towing mode switch
- Trailer weight selection system
The new towing mode allows drivers to quickly activate or deactivate towing settings, while the trailer weight selection feature enables the SUV to intelligently adjust vehicle parameters for improved towing stability and safety.
Denza says the upgrades are designed to reduce driver fatigue during long-distance towing and improve confidence behind the wheel.
Denza B8 OTA update: Gets smarter towing features
The larger Denza B8 SUV also receives towing-focused upgrades. New additions include:
- Cruise control in towing mode
- Dynamic range estimation
The updated range estimation system is designed to provide more accurate real-world battery and driving range calculations while towing.
Also read: New BYD Atto 3 launches in China with 5-minute flash charging
Real-world testing and customer feedback drove the updates
Denza says the update was developed using both customer feedback and real-world Australian testing data gathered by its local engineering team. The company says its Australian engineers have been specifically tuning the vehicles to better suit:
- Local towing demands
- Harsh off-road environments
- Long-distance touring
- Everyday Australian driving conditions
Beer O’Clock Hill helped shape the update
Interestingly, Denza says the software refinements were influenced by testing conducted earlier this year at Queensland’s notoriously difficult Beer O’Clock Hill off-road course.
Both the B5 and B8 successfully completed the challenging terrain, with engineers gathering valuable data during the testing process.
The learnings were then used to further optimise the brand’s:
- Dual Mode Off-Road (DMO) platform
- Traction control calibration
- Wheel-speed management
- Motor torque coordination systems
Customer feedback also drove the changes
Mark Harland, Chief Operating Officer of Denza Australia, said they have been actively listening to feedback from owners driving across Australian roads and off-road tracks.
According to Harland, the updates are designed to deliver meaningful improvements owners will genuinely notice in day-to-day use
Both Denza SUVs get performance and tech upgrades
The updated car software introduces revised traction-control management algorithms designed to improve off-road capability, driving stability, flexibility in sandy terrain, and overall driver confidence in difficult conditions.
Denza says the improvements allow the vehicles to better coordinate wheel speed and torque delivery for more controlled off-road performance.
Safety and cabin technology have also improved. The head-up display now includes turn-signal visibility to improve driver awareness.
Both the B5 and B8 now feature a driver password lock system for additional vehicle security.
The Denza B8 also receives enhanced anti-jam protection for its second- and third-row folding seats. The system can now detect resistance during the seat-folding process and stop operation to help prevent injuries or damage.
Also read: 5,000 BYD NEVs leave for Australia aboard BYD Zhengzhou
OTA updates becoming a key battleground in Australia
The OTA rollout also shows how software-defined vehicles are becoming increasingly important in Australia’s SUV and EV markets. Rather than waiting for facelifts or new model years, brands like Denza and BYD can now improve performance, safety, towing capability, efficiency, and convenience features through software updates delivered remotely.
That approach has already become a major competitive advantage for Tesla, and Chinese brands are rapidly adopting the same strategy.
Bottom line
Modern SUVs are evolving into constantly improving, software-driven vehicles. By adding meaningful upgrades without requiring a dealership visit, Denza is showing it wants its vehicles to keep getting better long after delivery day. For Australian buyers who tow, tour or head off-road regularly, these updates could make a noticeable difference in real-world driving.
Comments
New Comment