BYD’s 1,582-horsepower Denza Z revealed ahead of official debut

12 June 2026

Denza, the premium sub-brand of Chinese automotive giant BYD, has filed technical specifications for its upcoming flagship model during the domestic vehicle approval process. Named the Denza Z, this new high-performance EV completely abandons the brand's traditional focus on comfortable MPVs and large family crossovers. Instead, it enters the market as a driver-focused machine with an astonishing peak output of 1,180 kW, which translates to 1,582 horsepower.

The arrival of the Denza Z is an important milestone for Chinese electric cars. Legacy European manufacturers have historically dominated the high-end sports car segment, but BYD wants this new model to challenge global performance benchmarks directly. Denza Z relies on a very advanced three-motor layout: a single electric motor sits on the front axle and delivers 500 kW (670 horsepower), with two separate electric motors powering the rear wheels with a combined output of 680 kW (912 horsepower). This powerful trio allows the vehicle to sprint from zero to 62 mph in a claimed two seconds flat.

Buyers will have a choice between two distinct body styles right from the launch, which is officially scheduled to take place in July. The first variant is a four-seat convertible with a traditional folding soft-top roof. This version rides on 20-inch wheels with a staggered tire setup - 255/40 in the front and 265/40 in the rear. The convertible measures 188.2 inches in length, 78.3 inches in width, and 53.1 inches in height, resting on a wheelbase of 109.4 inches. The electric convertible is quite compact in comparison to the new Mercedes-AMG GT - it's 12.5 inches shorter.

The heavy structural reinforcements required for drop-top vehicles naturally impact the overall weight of the convertible variant. The Denza Z soft-top has an empty curb weight of 5,049 lb, while its maximum gross vehicle weight reaches 5,842 lb. This version can reach a top speed of 186 mph, matching many of the quickest EVs currently on the market. The exterior design moves away from the typical look of previous Denza models. It has a strong, athletic stance characterized by a low, slanted hood line with a functional air duct, aggressively flared rear fenders, and a prominent rear diffuser flanked by unique diamond-shaped taillights.

For drivers who prefer a fixed roof, the second variant comes as a hardtop roadster. This version changes the exterior details slightly by adopting completely flush door handles alongside a blacked-out roof and matching roof pillars. The hardtop sits 0.79 inches lower than its convertible sibling, creating an even sleeker profile while remarkably maintaining the same four-seat interior layout. The standard hardtop model features wider 295/35 tires on the 20-inch rear wheels, while keeping the 255/40 size up front. It weighs slightly less than the soft-top, registering a curb weight of 4,894 lb and a gross weight of 5,688 lb.

For maximum track capability, buyers can opt for the roadster equipped with a dedicated sports package. This modification changes the vehicle's physical dimensions, increasing the total length to 191.7 inches due to much more aggressive front and rear bumpers. The package adds a prominent, fixed rear wing directly onto the trunk lid to maximize downforce at high speeds. It also upgrades the rolling stock to 21-inch wheels wrapped in 275/35 ZR21 tires at the front and ultra-wide 325/30 ZR21 tires at the rear. The top speed increases dramatically to 217 mph, easily outpacing the new AMG.

Under the striking bodywork, BYD uses its proprietary lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. The official capacity of this battery pack is unknown for now, but the sports car will use advanced flash charging technology. Handling and ride quality are managed by the active suspension system called DiSus-M, which instantly adjusts to road conditions. Drivers will also receive assistance from the DiPilot 5.0 intelligent assisted driving system.

The launch of the high-horsepower flagship comes at an interesting time for the premium brand. According to the latest monthly sales data from the China EV DataTracker, Denza managed to deliver 15,620 vehicles within its domestic market during May. That's a 7.3 percent increase compared to the same month last year and a first month in 2026 where the brand successfully halted the continuous year-over-year sales declines.

Via