BYD-owned Denza Z aims for Porsche 911 and Mercedes-AMG GT

The Denza Z has broken cover at the Shanghai motor show as the BYD-owned brand’s all-electric answer to the likes of the Porsche 911, Mercedes-AMG GT, and the Maserati Granturismo.

Presumably penned by BYD design chief, Wolfgang Eggenburger – the brains behind the Alfa Romeo 8C and once-Audi design lead – the Denza Z has a cab-forward design, and space for two small rear passengers. The front isn’t dissimilar to that of a Lotus Emira, while further design cues appear to be taken from other high-end European performance cars.

Denza – the luxury arm of BYD – has announced that the ‘Z’ moniker comes from Zenith, a reflection of its halo car status. Alongside an adjustable rear wing for improved air-flow and increased downforce. Alongside a high-strength rollcage, the Denza Z incorporates carbon fibre into its construction courtesy of an integrated carbon fibre dashboard (with foldable flat-bottomed steering wheel) and bucket seats.

Under the skin, the Denza Z is based on the brand’s e3 platform allowing for the implementation of drive-by-wire steering, braking, drivetrain, and suspension. According to Denza, drive-by-wire tech and a magnetic field-powered Magnetorheological Body Control System will provide the Z with a smoother ride at cruising speeds, along with sharper cornering, and more stable braking.

Given BYD’s propensity for big power, solid build quality, and the latest in cutting-edge in-car tech, expect the Denza Z to benefit from each of these hallmarks. For reference, Denza’s first car planned for European release – the Denza Z9 GT – has a novel ‘crab’ parking feature to squeeze into tight spaces, and a tri-motor set up producing a combined 952bhp.

Unlike the Denza Z, the Denza Z9 GT has a confirmed European arrival date scheduled for early 2026, despite the brand announcing a reboot of its Europe-wide operations after several strategic missteps.

According to Reuters, the mistakes included making dealer and executive hires lacking in local market knowledge, as well as failing to introduce plug-in hybrid models in countries skeptical to full-EVs.

During the launch of the Z9 GT earlier this month, BYD executive vice president, Stella Li, commented that Denza’s levels of tech and driving experience mean that cracking the premium European market will “not be too much of a problem” and “the Denza product is 10 times better than the competition”.

Rivals to the Denza Z9 GT include the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, the Audi S6 e-tron Avant, and the BMW i5 Touring.