BYD is preparing to back up its Yangwang U9 with yet another electric supercar, this time from its other premium marque, Denza.
After being revealed in concept form in April 2025, our spy photographers have snapped the Denza Z undergoing testing at Germany’s infamous Nürburgring, suggesting the Chinese brand is serious about taking the fight to established European automotive icons.
But where the ‘jumping’ Yangwang U9 is a much more futuristic supercar, the Denza Z’s mid-engined shape suggests it’ll sit a few rungs lower on the sports car ladder, likely aimed squarely at the Porsche 911 – even if it shares its name with the less exclusive Nissan Z coupe.
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With wide rear fenders, a large front air intake, black roof, and massive rear spoiler, the sleek Denza Z certainly looks the part, but we’ll have to wait for further information for a better idea of what’s going on under the skin.
CarExpert understands the Denza Z will utilise a tri-motor setup, likely borrowed from the larger Denza Z9, which is positioned more as a Porsche Taycan rival. It’s unclear how much more grunt it will have than the 710kW Z9.
BYD has previously confirmed that it will feature DiSus-M variable suspension, which was described as “the industry’s first intelligent magnetorheological body control system exclusively for new energy vehicles” at the concept vehicle’s reveal.
This system is said to scan the road thousands of times per second to reactively adjust the suspension within 10 milliseconds, allowing for a more stable and predictable ride.
The Denza Z also features what the brand has described as “China’s first full-stack self-developed steer-by-wire system”, supported by “AI’s deep learning of driving style”. It’s claimed to be able to adapt and evolve to driving demands on its own, while also simulating road feedback “in a real way”.
Concept images of the vehicle’s interior show aggressive carbon-fibre bucket seats with four-point harnesses, finished in microfibre and leather.
There’s also a folding steering wheel, which Denza says should make it easier to recover occupants in the event of a crash.
The folding steering wheel has a squared-off bottom section, while the centre of the dashboard features a digital instrument cluster and a large free-standing infotainment touchscreen, with a slim tertiary display on the passenger side.
It’s unclear when the Denza Z will enter production and which markets it will be made available in.
Denza offers sports sedans, wagons, people movers, and SUVs in China, with both plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains.
The Chinese premium brand is locked in for an imminent Australian launch next month, starting with the B5 and B8 large PHEV off-road SUVs, which will rival the Toyota Prado and Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series respectively, among many others.
Interestingly, Denza Australia will offer a curated model range comprising vehicles from other BYD brands, including Yangwang. That means models sold overseas under BYD’s Fangchengbao, Yangwang, Denza and perhaps other brands will be sold under the Denza name here.
While somewhat muddying the waters for future Denza models in Australia, it could also open the door for more exclusive cars like the Denza Z to appear in local showrooms.
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MORE: BYD previews electric Porsche 911 rival with Denza Z concept