Key Points
- Denza unveils its first electric supercar with up to 1,471kW.
- Flagship Special Edition claims 0–100km/h in under 1.7 seconds.
- Australian launch is under consideration as Denza expands locally.
- New Blade battery supports five minute ultra fast charging.
- Coupe, Spider and Racing variants debut with advanced track technology.
BYD's premium brand Denza has officially unveiled the production version of its first high-performance electric sports car, the Denza Z, and Australia could be on the list of future markets.
Revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, the new EV is designed to rival high-end electric performance cars from Porsche and other established brands. Depending on the variant, it delivers up to 1,180kW, while an upcoming Special Edition is set to raise the bar with more than 1,471kW and a claimed 0-100km/h time of under 1.7 seconds.
The Denza Z will launch in Coupe, Spider (convertible) and Racing variants, with right-hand-drive production reportedly expected by the end of 2026. Although Australian deliveries have not been confirmed, Denza Australia says it is keen to bring the flagship sports car to local showrooms as its local dealer network continues to expand.
The model follows Denza's growing Australian lineup, which already includes premium SUVs, the D9 people mover and the Z9 GT performance wagon.
How powerful is the new Denza Z?
The Denza Z sits on a completely new e3 Sports Car Platform, developed specifically for high-performance electric vehicles. Every launch variant uses a triple-motor all-wheel-drive setup comprising one 500kW front motor and two 340kW rear motors, producing a combined 1,180kW and 1,240Nm.
Performance figures are among the most impressive seen from a production EV.
The Coupe and Racing variants complete the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 2.25 seconds, while the Spider follows closely at 2.3 seconds. Fit the optional semi-slick tyres to the Racing model and that figure falls to 1.96 seconds.
Acceleration doesn't stop there. Denza claims 0-200km/h takes between 6.0 and 6.46 seconds, depending on the model.
An even more extreme Special Edition is also in development. Thanks to upgraded battery cooling and improvements to the powertrain, it is expected to produce more than 1,471kW and accelerate from 0-100km/h in under 1.7 seconds, putting it among the fastest production cars in the world.
Denza Z specs, battery and charging
One of the biggest engineering highlights is Denza's latest second-generation Blade battery, which forms part of the vehicle's chassis to improve structural rigidity while increasing packaging efficiency by around 20 per cent.
Every variant uses the same 76kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack.
Specification | Denza Z Coupe / Spider / Racing | Special Edition (Expected) |
Platform | e3 Sports Car Platform | e3 Sports Car Platform |
Battery | 76kWh Blade LFP | Improved Blade LFP |
Drivetrain | Triple-motor AWD | Triple-motor AWD |
Combined Power | 1,180kW | Over 1,471kW |
Combined Torque | 1,240Nm | TBC |
0-100km/h | 2.25 to 2.3 sec (1.96 sec with Racing tyres) | Under 1.7 sec |
0-200km/h | 6.0 to 6.46 sec | TBC |
WLTP Range | 410km Coupe, 400km Spider, 380km Racing | TBC |
DC Fast Charging | Up to 1,500kW | Up to 1,500kW |
Charge Time | 10-70% in 5 mins, 10-97% in 9 mins | TBC |
AC Charging | 11kW | 11kW |
Top Speed | 300km/h (350km/h Racing with track tyres) | TBC |
The charging figures are particularly eye-catching. Denza says compatible chargers will replenish the battery from 10 to 70 per cent in just five minutes, or 10 to 97 per cent in nine minutes, thanks to support for charging speeds of up to 1,500kW.
Track-focused technology and supercar aerodynamics
Beyond outright power, Denza has loaded the Z with technology aimed at improving handling on both road and track.
A new Vehicle Motion Control computer constantly manages the steering, suspension, braking and electric motors. Denza says it can react in as little as 10 milliseconds, even helping maintain control following a tyre puncture.
The system also enables features rarely seen on production cars, including a compass turn, allowing the car to rotate around its front axle in tight spaces.
Other highlights include:
- DiSus-M adaptive magnetorheological dampers
- Carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston front calipers
- Air suspension on Coupe and Spider models
- Coil spring suspension on Racing variant
- Virtual engine sound modes
- Boost Mode with 30 per cent extra throttle response for 20 seconds
- Track Mode with launch control, drift mode, G-force telemetry and custom performance profiles
Aerodynamics also play a major role.
The Racing model gains a more aggressive body kit with larger cooling ducts, a carbon-fibre splitter, underbody vortex generators and optional adjustable carbon-fibre rear wing. Denza claims the package generates up to 1,060kg of downforce at 350km/h.
The upcoming Special Edition takes things further with Formula One-inspired Drag Reduction System (DRS) technology, carbon-fibre body panels and more than 2,000kg of downforce at 300km/h. Denza plans to target a Nürburgring lap record later in 2026.
Inside, the Z features a 12.8-inch infotainment display, 8.9-inch digital instrument cluster, unique sports steering wheel with dedicated Track and Boost buttons, and electrically adjustable sports seats with heating, ventilation, massage, integrated speakers and active side bolsters.
Despite its performance focus, the Coupe and Spider retain four seats, while the Coupe also offers 250 litres of boot space.
What this means for Australia
Although Denza has yet to officially confirm Australian timing, local executives have made it clear the Z is firmly on their wish list.
Denza Australia Chief Operating Officer Mark Harland previously said he would like to introduce a dedicated sports car once the company's dealer network, servicing capability and sales volumes continue to grow.
That expansion is already underway. Denza has launched multiple premium models in Australia, while parent company BYD has become one of the country's fastest-growing automotive brands.
If approved for Australia, the Denza Z would become one of the most powerful electric performance cars ever offered locally and could give Australian buyers an alternative to established European electric supercars.
Its arrival would also signal how quickly Chinese manufacturers are moving beyond affordable EVs into premium performance territory, bringing cutting-edge battery technology, ultra-fast charging and extreme performance to a much broader audience.
