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SHANGHAI: BYD is set to rival Porsche as it takes a major step into the luxury electric vehicle market by unveiling its premium Denza Z model at Auto Shanghai 2025. The launch marks BYD’s most ambitious move yet and highlights its determination to compete with top Western brands.
The new Denza Z, coated in a bold deep-blue finish, represents BYD’s push to challenge luxury giants like Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. The company revealed the vehicle at China’s largest auto show, drawing attention from global automakers, media, and EV enthusiasts.
Wang Chuanfu, BYD’s founder, attended the launch, highlighting the model’s importance. With BYD overtaking Tesla in global EV sales, the Denza Z signals its intent to lead even in the premium segment.
While Tesla struggles with declining sales and profit, BYD continues its rise. Its new launch sends a message to competitors—BYD is here to rival Porsche not just in volume but also in luxury and technology.
The Denza brand, which BYD originally launched with Mercedes-Benz, is now fully under BYD’s control. Its recent European expansion has already made an impact, and analysts see the Denza Z as a strategic step to elevate the company’s global presence.
BYD’s steady flow of new models and competitive pricing have shaken up the EV market. “BYD only plays offense,” said Tu Le of Sino Auto Insights. With constant innovation, the company has made it harder for rivals to keep up.
Porsche’s 28% drop in China sales last year shows how tough the market has become. Meanwhile, BYD keeps expanding its luxury portfolio. Its high-end Yangwang brand recently launched the U8L SUV at the same event.
Denza Z: Luxury Meets Technology
BYD has yet to announce the Denza Z’s price, but it’s expected to align with the N9 SUV, which starts at $53,453. That’s far more competitive than many luxury EVs on the market. At the same time, BYD still dominates the affordable segment with models like the Song Plus, priced around $18,500.
This dual-market strategy gives the company a strong advantage—serving both budget-conscious and luxury buyers under one roof.
BYD wants to double overseas sales to over 800,000 vehicles by 2025. Despite trade challenges like EU duties and U.S. tariffs, the company is investing in local production to stay competitive.
Its latest technologies, including the “God’s Eye” driver-assistance system and a new rapid battery charging feature, have impressed industry experts. The company claims the new battery can add 250 miles of range in just five minutes—faster than Tesla’s Supercharger.
BYD’s presence at Auto Shanghai isn’t just about a new model. It’s a declaration of intent. The Denza Z shows that BYD plans to rival Porsche and other global giants by offering high-end, high-tech EVs with mass appeal.
