Denza B8 vs Lexus RZ
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Price Breakdown
The Denza B8 starts from $91,000 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RZ opens at $91,000. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $100,100 and $100,100 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Denza B8 and Lexus RZ hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Denza B8 and 87% for the Lexus RZ.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus RZ packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Denza B8.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.
Feature Showdown
The Denza B8 features a 17.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus RZ gets a 14-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Denza B8 stands out with Devialet audio that you will not find on the Lexus RZ. The Lexus RZ counters with head-up display, heated front seats, power tailgate, V2L and Mark Levinson audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Denza B8 gets leather upholstery while the Lexus RZ offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Denza B8 and 2-zone in the Lexus RZ.
Drivetrain
The Denza B8 uses a Petrol Turbo PHEV producing 425kW, sent through a 1-speed auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds.
The Lexus RZ responds with a Electric Motor making 230kW and 435Nm, paired to a automatic. It gets to 100km/h in 5 seconds.
The Denza B8 has the clear power advantage at 425kW vs 230kW. In the real-world sprint, the Denza B8 is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Denza B8 measures 5,195mm long on a 2,920mm wheelbase, 390mm longer than the Lexus RZ at 4,805mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Denza B8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 147L in the Denza B8 and 522L in the Lexus RZ, giving the Lexus RZ a 375L advantage. The Denza B8 seats 7 vs 5.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Denza B8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus RZ). The Denza B8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Denza B8 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Denza's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus RZ if: You need more boot space, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Denza B8 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Lexus RZ has a clear edge. The Denza B8 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Denza B8 and Lexus RZ?
The Denza B8 is the cheapest at $91,000 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Denza B8 uses the least fuel at 2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Denza B8 and Lexus RZ all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus RZ has the largest boot at 522L.
Which can tow the most?
The Denza B8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Denza B8 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Denza B8 makes the most power at 425kW. The Denza B8 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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