Sun emphasized BYD’s global ambitions, stating, "BYD wants to be global, so we have to present ourselves in all major markets." Denza has already begun expanding outside mainland China, including the right-hand-drive Hong Kong market.
Founded in 2010 as a 50:50 joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz, Denza shifted to a more upscale focus in 2022 with BYD now holding 90% ownership. Denza's current lineup includes the N7 SUV, N8 SUV, and D9 MPV, all available with plug-in hybrid and electric drivetrains in China.
The first Denza model set for Europe is the Z9 GT shooting brake. Unveiled at the Beijing motor show in April, the 5180 mm-long Z9 GT will be the technological flagship for Denza’s global expansion. It features a tri-motor powertrain with a combined 952 bhp (1000 hp) and 1018 lb ft (1380 Nm) of torque, achieving 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 2.9 seconds.
Denza Z9 GT
While details on other models for Europe remain under wraps, plans include rebranding the Fangchengbao Bao 5 off-roader for European markets. Sun remarked, "We think the Bao 5 would be a good fit for Denza in Europe," and emphasized consolidating models under a single luxury brand.
BYD is enhancing its local R&D to tailor new cars to European preferences. "Engineering is led by our team in China, but you need input from the satellite operation like we have in Europe," Sun explained. He noted a shift in BYD’s development approach to meet global standards, improving engineering efficiency for all markets, including Europe.
Source: Autocar
