Denza B8 vs Tesla Model Y

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the Denza B8 and Tesla Model Y hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2025. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Denza B8 and 91% for the Tesla Model Y.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Tesla Model Y, against 7 on the Denza B8.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Denza B8 features a 17.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Tesla Model Y gets a 16-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Denza B8 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, V2L and Devialet audio — features our data doesn't list for the Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model Y counters with Apple CarPlay, panoramic roof and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Denza B8 gets leather upholstery while the Tesla Model Y offers vegan leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Denza B8 and 2-zone in the Tesla Model Y.

Drivetrain

The Denza B8 uses a Petrol Turbo PHEV producing 425kW and 760Nm of torque, sent through a 1-speed auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds.

The Tesla Model Y responds with a Electric Motor making 255kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.

The Denza B8 has the clear power advantage at 425kW vs 255kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Denza B8 is 1.1s 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, 403mm longer than the Tesla Model Y at 4,792mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Denza B8 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 147L in the Denza B8 and 854L in the Tesla Model Y, giving the Tesla Model Y a 707L advantage. The Denza B8 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Denza B8 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 1,900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Denza B8's turning circle is 0.1 m tighter, 12.0 m against 12.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Denza B8 costs about $2,822 a year (9.9 L/100km as a hybrid) and electricity for the Tesla Model Y about $677 a year (14.1 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. A plug-in hybrid is costed running as a hybrid (battery depleted); charged daily, it uses less fuel and some electricity.

Warranty: 6 years / 150k km (Denza B8) and 5 years / Unlimited (Tesla Model Y).

Where each one leads

The Denza B8: more power (425kW against 255kW), the longer warranty (6 years against 5) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 1,600kg).

The Tesla Model Y: the lower starting price ($58,900 against $91,000) and the bigger boot with the seats up (854L against 147L).

The Verdict

Tesla Model Y scores higher, 81 vs 69

The Tesla Model Y scores 81 to the Denza B8's 69 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 9 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Denza B8 ahead by 19 points), value (Tesla Model Y ahead by 16 points). Boot space with the seats up: 147L in the Denza B8, 854L in the Tesla Model Y. Warranty: 6 years on the Denza B8, 5 on the Tesla Model Y.

Common questions