Shanghai, April 23, 2025 – Chinese electric vehicle titan BYD intensified its challenge to global luxury carmakers with the debut of the Denza Z, a sleek, deep-blue sports car, at Auto Shanghai, China’s premier auto show. The unveiling underscores BYD’s ambition to compete with high-end Western brands like Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, as it continues to dominate the electrified vehicle market.
The Denza Z, revealed under dramatic lighting after being concealed by a black cover, drew crowds and media attention at the sprawling Shanghai exhibition center. BYD founder Wang Chuanfu, a celebrated figure in Chinese industry, was present at the display, amplifying the event’s significance. Auto Shanghai, a 10-day showcase of automotive innovation, features fierce competition among domestic and international carmakers vying for prominence in China’s cutthroat electric vehicle (EV) sector.
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Denza Z sports car
— tphuang (@tphuang) April 23, 2025
China's 1st self developed full wire controlled steering & chassis + fully folding steering wheel
Industry's 1st full wire controlled chassis -> Disus-M
Magnetorheological body control system
Carbon Fiber seating & display area
BYD is such an R&D juggernaut pic.twitter.com/KBE0RInv6S
BYD, which surpassed Tesla in global electrified vehicle sales last year, is leveraging its Denza premium line to target luxury segments. The Z, anticipated since leaked prototype images surfaced earlier this year, is touted as “maxed out in tech and luxury,” according to a BYD official. Originally a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz, Denza is now fully owned by BYD and recently launched in Europe, signaling the company’s global aspirations.
“BYD plays relentless offense,” said Tu Le, managing director of Sino Auto Insights. “Their frequent launches and low-cost structure keep competitors on edge, allowing aggressive pricing.” The Denza Z debut comes as Porsche grapples with a 28% sales drop in China in 2024, citing economic challenges, while Tesla reported a 9% sales decline and a 71% plunge in net income amid U.S. trade tensions and consumer backlash.
The Denza Z joins BYD’s growing luxury portfolio, which includes the Yangwang brand’s U8L SUV, launched earlier Wednesday, and the Denza N9 SUV, priced at 389,800 yuan ($53,453). By contrast, BYD’s mass-market Song Plus SUV starts at $18,500, highlighting the company’s broad market reach.
As global carmakers navigate U.S. tariffs and recalibrate strategies to reclaim ground in China—the world’s largest auto market—BYD’s technological prowess and competitive pricing continue to reshape the EV landscape. Pricing details for the Denza Z are yet to be announced.
Key Points:
BYD’s Denza Z Unveiled: Chinese EV leader BYD launched the luxurious Denza Z sports car at Auto Shanghai, targeting high-end Western brands like Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
Auto Shanghai Spotlight: China’s largest auto show features intense competition among global and domestic carmakers, showcasing advancements in the booming EV sector.
BYD’s Market Dominance: BYD, having surpassed Tesla in global electrified vehicle sales, strengthens its lead in China’s EV market with premium offerings like Denza.
Luxury Ambitions: The Denza Z, fully owned by BYD after a Mercedes-Benz joint venture, aims for tech and luxury supremacy, following its European launch.
Competitive Edge: BYD’s aggressive pricing and frequent launches pressure rivals, with analysts noting its low-cost structure as a key advantage.
Struggling Rivals: Porsche reports a 28% sales drop in China, while Tesla faces a 9% sales decline and 71% net income drop amid U.S. trade tensions.
BYD’s Portfolio Expansion: Alongside Denza, BYD’s Yangwang brand and models like the N9 SUV (starting at $53,453) target premium segments, contrasting with affordable models like the Song Plus ($18,500).
