DENZA becomes global brand with European debut

Quick look

• Originally established as a joint venture brand between BYD and Mercedes-Benz, DENZA became fully owned by BYD in 2024.

• The brand entered Southeast Asia earlier, in 2023, and its debut in France this week takes it global.

Although DENZA has been in the Malaysian market and a few regional markets since 2023, the brand (part of the BYD Group) has not considered itself global. Now, with its debut in Europe, it is presenting itself as a worldwide premium technology-oriented automotive brand.

Its world premiere took place in Paris, France recently, an appropriate venue with its ‘Technology Drives Elegance’ philosophy that guides product development. DENZA expects to influence a significant shift in the European premium auto sector with its New Energy drivetrains. Advanced technologies that will be introduced include record-breaking recharging speeds and dual-motor independent rear-wheel steering that allows new levels of manoeuvrability.

“DENZA’s definition of the new premium – Technology Drives Elegance – is where advanced technology, seamlessly integrated into daily life, creates a cleaner, simpler and more delightful ownership experience. Behind this philosophy stands the strength of 120,000 engineers across BYD, always pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” said Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD.

“We believe that this is the time for people worldwide to be inspired by technology, and DENZA is uniquely placed to deliver that,” she declared.

Two global models
Although DENZA currently has 8 models, its worldwide entry begins with two flagship models that cater to very different market segments and lifestyles. These are the Z9GT and D9, the latter already familiar to Malaysians as the premium MPV introduced the brand in the market last year.

The Z9GT challenges the status quo of performance grand tourers with its combination of a sleek, aggressive silhouette of a sportscar with the practical elegance of a wagon. Powered by DENZA’s most advanced tri-motor system, the Z9GT EV is claimed to do the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds. Independent rear-wheel steering allows previously impossible dynamic feats like compass U-turns and ‘crab walks’ through narrow spaces.

The D9, as mentioned earlier is already well known in Malaysia as a fully electric MPV. This will soon be joined by the PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) version which DENZA is shipping to Europe. The PHEV version uses the advanced DM-i (Dual Mode – Intelligent) powertrain which can provide a range of up to 210 kms on only electric power, and up to 590 kms with a full tank of fuel with no recharging of the Blade 2.0 battery.

The DM-i powertrain has a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors (front and rear) to provide all-wheel drive. Total system output can be up to 260 kW/353 ps.

DENZA will launch both models in Europe with FLASH Charging, an in-house development that can recharge from 10% to 70% in 5 minutes or to 90% in 9 minutes. This, however, requires 1,500 kW charging stations and the new Blade Battery 2.0.

Rather than wait for other charge point operators to invest in the ultra high-powered DC stations, BYD has announced plans for 6,000 FLASH Charging Stations outside China within the next 12 months, of which 3,000 will be in Europe.

DENZA’s initial appearance in Europe will be in Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK, but the brand will spread quickly across the continent, with a presence planned in at least 30 countries by the end of the year. This network will comprise at least 150 retail stores by the end of 2026.

In Latin America, retail stores are already in place in Brazil and Mexico, allowing the first customers to place their orders for new DENZA models.

Find out more about DENZA in Malaysia

 

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