DAIMLER-BYD

THE CHINESE ELECTRIC BASED ON MERCEDES-BENZ B CLASS

Daimler and Chinese BYD have created a joint-venture based on the first-generation Mercedes-Benz B Class, launched in 2014 a hatchback equipped with a purely electric propulsion system which they named the Denza 400 EV.The Denza has just received an update that has renewed its exterior aesthetics and has also introduced some improvements in the interior and equipment, at the same time it debuts a new name, as it will now carry the Denza 500 EV.The aesthetic modifications have fundamentally affected the front, which opens a new grille, new headlights that now integrate the LED daytime running lights and a new format bumper that incorporates chrome frames.



The rear part was also subject to revision, although there the modifications were smaller, since only the shock was modified, which also includes chrome frames.There were also some improvements in the interior and although the instrument panel format remained unchanged, the Chinese manufacturer took advantage of the occasion to introduce improvements in the infotainment system, which now includes a larger touchscreen, a new flat base sports steering wheel and improvements in finishes and trims, with the purpose of improving perceived quality.

The refurbished Denza 500 EV has an electric motor-based propulsion system that develops 184 hp and a maximum torque of 300 Nm, in combination with a pack of lithium-ion batteries that now have 70 kWh of capacity, enough to to achieve an autonomy with a full load of 450 kilometers according to the NEDC homologation cycle.
Despite the improvements, the Denza 500 EV can not hide the years, mainly due to its old platform, the same that debuted in the first generation of the Mercedes-Benz B Class around 2005. Prices for the Chinese market start at 299,800 yen, equivalent to R$153,500 at the current exchange rate.

Autonews