Denza, the premium sub-brand of Chinese automotive giant BYD, has submitted technical specifications for its upcoming flagship model during the domestic vehicle approval process. Named the Denza Z, this new high-performance vehicle completely abandons the brand's traditional focus on comfortable MPVs and large family crossovers. Instead, it enters the market as a driver-focused machine with an astonishing peak output of 1,180 kW, which translates to 1,582 horsepower.
The arrival of the Denza Z marks a significant milestone for Chinese electric vehicles. Historically, legacy European manufacturers have dominated the high-end sports car segment, but BYD aims for this new model to directly challenge global performance benchmarks. The Denza Z utilizes an advanced three-motor layout: a single electric motor on the front axle delivering 500 kW (670 horsepower), complemented by two electric motors powering the rear wheels with a combined output of 680 kW (912 horsepower). This powerful configuration allows the vehicle to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed two seconds.
Buyers will have the option of two distinct body styles available at launch, which is officially scheduled for July. The first variant is a four-seat convertible with a traditional folding soft-top roof. This version features 20-inch wheels with staggered tire sizes: 255/40 at the front and 265/40 at the rear. The convertible measures 4,780 mm in length, 1,990 mm in width, and 1,350 mm in height, resting on a wheelbase of 2,780 mm. Compared to the new Mercedes-AMG GT, the electric convertible is compact, measuring 317 mm shorter.
The structural reinforcements needed for the drop-top configuration impact its weight. The Denza Z soft-top has an empty curb weight of 2,290 kg, with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 2,650 kg. This version can achieve a top speed of 300 km/h, comparable to many of the fastest cars on the market. The exterior design departs from the typical look of previous Denza models, featuring a bold athletic stance with a low, slanted hood line, functional air ducts, aggressively flared rear fenders, and distinctive diamond-shaped taillights.
For drivers preferring a fixed roof, the second variant is a hardtop roadster. This version has slightly modified exterior details, including flush door handles and a blacked-out roof with matching pillars. The hardtop sits 20 mm lower than the convertible, creating a sleeker profile while maintaining the same four-seat interior. The standard hardtop model comes with wider 295/35 tires on the rear 20-inch wheels, while the front retains the 255/40 size. It weighs slightly less than the soft-top, with a curb weight of 2,220 kg and a gross weight of 2,580 kg.
To enhance track performance, buyers can opt for a roadster equipped with a dedicated sports package. This modification alters the vehicle's dimensions, increasing its total length to 4,870 mm due to more aggressive front and rear bumpers. The package also adds a prominent, fixed rear wing on the trunk lid to maximize downforce at high speeds and upgrades to 21-inch wheels wrapped in 275/35 ZR21 tires at the front and ultra-wide 325/30 ZR21 tires at the rear. The top speed significantly increases to 350 km/h, easily surpassing the new AMG.
Underneath its striking exterior, BYD employs its proprietary lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology. The official capacity of this battery pack has not been disclosed yet, but the sports car will feature advanced flash charging technology. Handling and ride quality are managed by the active suspension system known as DiSus-M, which instantly adapts to road conditions. Additionally, drivers will benefit from the DiPilot 5.0 intelligent driving assistance system.
The launch of this high-performance flagship comes at an interesting juncture for the premium brand. According to the latest monthly sales data from the China DataTracker, Denza delivered 15,620 vehicles in its domestic market during May, marking a 7.3 percent increase compared to the same month last year, and indicating an end to the continuous year-over-year sales declines faced earlier.
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