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Disorder appears to be the primary challenge for BYD’s premium sub-brand, Denza. The line-up currently spans a rugged ladder-frame off-roader, a spacious seven-seat MPV, and a sleek executive shooting brake—quite the mix. Without a unifying hero model, the brand risks lacking a clear identity in its growing portfolio of electrified vehicles.

That hero model might just have arrived. Enter the Denza Z – a sports car designed to seize global attention and establish Denza as a serious contender in the high-performance EV space.

The Denza Z looks like a fusion of sports car, supercar, and grand tourer. It’s powered by a tri-motor, all-electric setup offering monumental performance, and its pricing puts it in direct competition with the world’s most iconic sports car. The message is clear: Denza wants to be taken very seriously.

Denza’s engineers and planners have openly stated that their benchmark for this 4.8-metre, 2+2-seat flagship wasn’t the Taycan but another, even more legendary Porsche model.

Despite its electric powertrain—which may not appeal to traditional petrol-powered sports car fans—it’s a logical move for Denza. BYD’s strength lies in its in-house battery, motor, and charging technologies, and the Z serves as a showcase of that expertise.

Under its sculpted, Italian-inspired bodywork—penned by BYD Design Director Wolfgang Egger, known for his work on the Alfa Romeo 8C—the Z sits on BYD’s ‘e3’ (E Cube) platform, the same used by the Denza Z9 GT shooting brake.

The chassis employs a ‘gigacasting’ unitary structure, similar to a Porsche 911, rather than a supercar-style carbon tub. It houses BYD’s second-generation 76kWh LFP ‘blade battery’, which forms a structural part of the car, enhancing torsional rigidity but resulting in a relatively heavy 2250kg kerb weight.

The tri-motor setup is astonishing: two 456bhp permanent magnet motors power the rear wheels asymmetrically, while a 671bhp motor drives the front. Combined, they produce a staggering 1584bhp and 915lb ft of torque. That output exceeds the 1MW mark achieved by early electric hypercars like the Rimac Concept One and the Nio EP9, and even surpasses the Bugatti Chiron Supersport’s figure.

Denza will offer the Z in three configurations: Coupe, convertible Spider, and track-focused Racing. Prices start at £142,900 for the Coupe, £159,900 for the Spider, and £172,900 for the Racing. The latter, developed to reclaim the Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for production EVs from the Manthey-kit Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, will be produced in very limited numbers. These prices put the Z squarely in Porsche Carrera 4 GTS territory, making it the most expensive Chinese car ever to reach international markets.

Before its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Denza offered a brief preview: a single flying lap of the Goodwood circuit in the Racing variant, under supervision. The Racing model swaps air suspension for steel coils, adds magnetorheological dampers, and will be available with semi-slick track tyres, though our test car ran on standard rubber.

Cabin impressions were limited by time, but the driver’s seat felt soft and slightly lacking in lateral support for a track-oriented model. Seating could be lower, and some interior materials seemed plasticky for a six-figure car, though nothing felt overtly cheap.

Goodwood’s short straights and tight corners offer few chances to unleash nearly 1600 horsepower. Even so, the Denza Z’s acceleration felt immense, if not quite as explosively linear as in some other 1000bhp+ EVs. Power delivery was progressive rather than brutal, with the car’s electronics likely managing traction and torque to maintain control.

Despite its incredible power, the Z didn’t feel especially agile. Its weight and software-governed drivetrain seemed to limit how freely it could rotate or adjust direction on throttle input. In its default mode, the tri-motor system appeared conservative, prioritising stability over playfulness.

As a result, this first encounter didn’t fully reveal the Z’s potential. With more freedom to explore its drive modes, the car could show a different side. For now, it comes across as immensely powerful but somewhat restrained, lacking the immediate, engaging feel expected from a true driver’s car.

Still, the Denza Z is a bold move from BYD—a statement of intent to challenge established European performance brands. While it may not yet deliver the emotional thrill of a Porsche 911, its technological muscle and design ambition make it one to watch.

Denza Z Racing – Verdict

BYD’s premium 911 rival packs immense firepower and advanced engineering but may need to inject more character and driver engagement to truly stand among the greats.