The Chinese brand BYD is preparing a muscular arrival in Europe with Denza, its new premium brand. Its design, power and technologies demonstrate BYD’s ambition to take on the benchmarks of the European market from 2026. Denza is not intended to be a sub-label, but a showcase for top-of-the-range electric vehicles made in China.
An electric supercar developed to challenge Europe
The Denza Z is BYD ‘s sporting showcase and is already in the final stages of development. The brand is testing the model on the Nürburgring circuit to fine-tune its handling and performance. Its claimed power exceeds 1,000 bhp, making the Z one of the most muscular electric supercars in the making. The intelligent magnetic-fluid suspension, known as Disus-M, promises great finesse in chassis management. The electric steering (steer-by-wire) improves responsiveness, a necessary asset for a model that aims to be both track and road-legal.
The styling of the Denza Z was entrusted to Wolfgang Egger, Audi’s former design boss. The result is a sculpted, low-slung coupé designed to optimise every air flow, with taut lines and studied aerodynamic surfaces. The concept features retractable handles and steering wheel, a rare technological feat in this segment. Braking performance is enhanced by an imposing braking system, adapted to the likely power and weight of the machine. This attention to design and engineering is clearly intended to appeal to a demanding public, ready to give an electric sports car from China a chance.
An arrival to compete with European premium
The manufacturer is aiming for a European launch in 2026, with the Denza brand scheduled to be launched in France in the spring. However, according to the latest information, the Z model could actually arrive in 2027, giving BYD a little time to fine-tune the details. Denza wants the Z to be the equivalent of an ‘electric 911’, a direct rival to the Porsche 911 and Mercedes-AMG GT, but in electric form. There could also be a convertible version, which would broaden the range. But for the moment, the focus is on the coupé.
At the same time, BYD is preparing to roll out a network of ultra-fast charging points (up to 1,000 kW) in Europe, to accompany Denza models from 2026. This network, dubbed « Flash Chargers », could enable a compatible car to be recharged in just a few minutes, a major technological argument to win over demanding customers.
The future of electric cars according to BYD
Other new models follow, such as the Denza Z9 GT, an electric (or hybrid) hunting estate or grand tourer capable of competing with models such as the Porsche Panamera or the Taycan Sport Turismo. According to Chinese technical specifications, the electric version of the Z9 GT has 965bhp and a CLTC range of 630km. The plug-in hybrid version of the Z9 GT combines an internal combustion engine with electric motors to achieve close to 1,000 hp, depending on the configuration. When the Denza models arrive in Europe, they will mark BYD’s entry into the premium segment, based on modern technologies, a sophisticated design and a diversified range.
The Denza Z is the figurehead of this ambitious strategy. It embodies BYD’s desire to combine extreme performance, meticulous design and cutting-edge technology in a prestigious electric car. This supercar symbolises the audacity of Chinese manufacturers: to compete directly with historic European sports cars. With the rise of Denza, the arrival of an ultra-fast recharging network and a variety of models, BYD intends to make its mark in the premium electric segment in Europe. The offensive appears to be well structured, and the Denza Z is a clear demonstration of this.
