Denza Z duo target supercar elite

DENZA is preparing to enter the rarefied world of high-performance sportscars with its all-electric Z, a four-seat coupe and convertible with a staggering 1180kW and a claimed top speed of up to 350km/h.

Ahead of its expected Chinese launch in July, the BYD-owned luxury marque has revealed specifications through regulatory filings, confirming the Z will challenge established European performance icons while potentially undercutting them significantly on price.

The Denza Z represents a major departure for a brand better known for luxury MPVs, SUVs, and grand tourers.

Developed under the direction of former Audi, Lamborghini, and Alfa Romeo design chief Wolfgang Egger, the low-slung sportscar adopts an aggressive silhouette with pronounced rear haunches, aerodynamic detailing, and a choice of coupe and soft-top convertible body styles.

The flagship performance variant adds larger bumpers, a prominent rear wing, and bespoke 21-inch wheels wrapped in ultra-wide tyres measuring 275/35 ZR21 at the front and 325/30 ZR21 at the rear.

At the heart of the Denza Z is a tri-motor electric powertrain comprising a 500kW front motor and twin 340kW rear motors.

Combined peak output reaches an extraordinary 1180kW eclipsing many of the world’s most exotic “hypercars” and comfortably surpassing the 860kW output of the electric Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept.

Top speed is limited to 300km/h in standard coupe and convertible forms, while the aero-enhanced flagship variant raises that figure to 350km/h.

Denza is also targeting a 0-100km/h sprint in less than two seconds.

Despite its supercar credentials, the Denza Z features a practical four-seat cabin.

Dimensions vary slightly depending on the body style, with lengths ranging from 4780mm to 4870mm, and wheelbase measuring 2780mm. Kerb weight ranges between 2220kg and 2290kg.

Power is supplied by a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, although capacity figures remain under wraps.

The model will feature BYD’s DiSus-M magnetorheological suspension system, which can adjust damping thousands of times per second, alongside the company’s DiPilot 5.0 driver assistance system and high-speed flash charging capability.

Denza says the Z employs China’s first fully self-developed steer-by-wire system, with artificial intelligence capable of learning and adapting to individual driving styles while replicating natural steering feedback.

The car is expected to make its production debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month, marking a significant step in Denza’s global expansion strategy.

Australian prospects remain uncertain, though Denza Australia has previously expressed interest in bringing a sportscar to local showrooms.

“I love sports cars, so I am actively asking headquarters for a sportscar, be it a Denza Z or a Yangwang U9,” said Denza Australia chief operating officer Mark Harland.

“First establish ourselves as a brand, take care of our customers, open some additional stores, and then absolutely, I’d love to have a sportscar here.”

Denza entered Australia earlier this year with the B5 and B8 plug-in hybrid off-road SUVs and D9 electric people mover, with the 850kW Z9 GT shooting brake due in the third quarter.