Surpassing expectations with its remarkable speed and affordability, the Denza Z by BYD is setting new benchmarks in the electric supercar realm. It not only challenges the might of Lamborghini in a race but also offers a more economical alternative to the Porsche 911 Turbo S.
BYD’s Denza Z Challenges Luxury Car Giants
In a strategic move, Denza is positioning itself in the European market to directly compete with luxury brands like Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, BYD introduced the Denza Z, with its UK price starting at £142,900 ($193,000).
BYD describes the Denza Z as “the world’s first intelligent supercar,” integrating cutting-edge technologies in its design. Available in three models—Coupe, Spider, and Racing—all variants are built on the innovative e3 platform, delivering “shattering performance” with three electric motors generating a total of 1,582 horsepower and 914 lb-ft of torque.
The Racing model stands out with its speed capabilities, achieving 0 to 62 mph in just 1.96 seconds when equipped with semi-slick tires, reaching up to 217 mph.
In a test conducted by CarWow, the Denza Z exhibited its prowess against the Lamborghini Temerario. Despite the Temerario’s 920 hp and 1,000 Nm torque, which promises a 0 to 62 mph time of 2.7 seconds, the Denza Z ultimately triumphs in two out of three races after a rolling start and optimal tire conditions.
Despite a starting price of £310,000 ($420,000) for the Lamborghini Temerario, the Denza Z Racing variant, priced at £172,900 ($234,000), demonstrates superior performance in head-to-head drag races.
Equipped with BYD’s self-developed steer-by-wire system, the e3 platform enhances driving precision and handling. Additionally, the Disus-M suspension system allows for dynamic maneuverability, such as hopping over obstacles.
All models utilize the 76 kWh BYD Blade Battery 2.0, with ranges of 410 km for the Coupe, 400 km for the Spider, and 380 km for the Racing, based on WLTP standards. The 800V architecture and Flash Charging system enable rapid charging from 10% to 70% in just five minutes, and up to 97% in nine minutes.
Measuring 4,780 mm long, 1,990 mm wide, and 1,350 mm high, with a 2,780 mm wheelbase, the Denza Z is slightly larger than a Porsche 911, but closer in size to the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe.
Compared to the Porsche 911 Turbo S, which starts at £199,100 ($270,000) and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in about 2.5 seconds, the Denza Z offers a more cost-effective and faster alternative.
| BYD Denza Z variant | Starting Price UK | Starting Price China | Horsepower | 0 to 62 mph |
| Coupe | £142,900 ($193,000) | 680,000 RMB ($100,000) | 1,582 hp (1,604 PS) | 2.25 seconds |
| Spider | £159,900 ($216,000) | 780,000 RMB ($115,000) | 1,582 hp (1,604 PS) | 2.30 seconds |
| Racing | £172,900 ($234,000) | 1.18 million RMB ($175,000) | 1,582 hp (1,604 PS) | 1.96 seconds |
In China, the Denza Z is priced significantly lower than in Europe, with the Coupe Hardtop starting at 680,000 RMB ($100,000), and the Spider and Racing trims at 780,000 RMB ($115,000) and 1.18 million RMB ($175,000) respectively.
Following the launch of the Denza Z, BYD reported that “global pre-orders are booming,” with over 1,000 orders in just five days.
Which would you prefer to drive: the Denza Z, Lamborghini Temerario, or Porsche 911 Turbo S? Share your choice in the comments.
Original Story at electrek.co