Image: BYDDenza’s international expansion has been in the works for some time: the BYD premium brand announced last June that it would launch in Germany in the fourth quarter of 2025. On the sidelines of the IAA in September, it also opened its first European showroom in Munich. However, its actual launch in Europe was then delayed until BYD announced the European premiere for 8 April in Paris in March.The Chinese manufacturer has now delivered on its promise, hosting the premiere event at the historic Palais Garnier. Under the guiding principle ‘Technology Drives Elegance’, Denza’s market entry is set to initiate a significant shift in the European premium segment. Like its parent company BYD, Denza focuses exclusively on new energy vehicles, including fully battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). It aims to impress with high-quality equipment and independent rear-wheel steering powered by two motors, which the manufacturer claims ‘enables an entirely new level of manoeuvrability’. Additionally, the vehicles will feature ‘record-breaking charging times’ thanks to a proprietary charging system – more on that below.BYD Vice President Stella Li said: “‘Technology Drives Elegance’ defines Denza’s new premium concept: here, advanced technology seamlessly integrated into everyday life creates a cleaner, simpler, and more enjoyable driving experience. Behind this philosophy stands the strength of 120,000 engineers at BYD, who continually push the boundaries of what is possible. We believe it is time for people worldwide to be inspired by technology, and Denza is uniquely positioned to make this a reality.” Image: BYD Image: BYD Image: BYD Image: BYD Image: BYD Image: BYD Image: BYD Image: BYD Image: BYD Image: BYD Image: BYD Image: BYD Image: BYD Image: BYD Image: BYD Image: BYD Image: BYDAs for the vehicles themselves: the Denza Z9GT is the brand’s flagship model. Unveiled in China around two years ago, it represents a fresh start for Denza. Originally established as a joint venture between BYD and Daimler to serve the Chinese mass market, Denza has since pivoted towards the premium segment. In its current form, the Z9GT features three motors (one at the front and two at the rear) with a system output of 850 kW. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds and has a top speed of 270 km/h. The battery capacity is 122.5 kWh, and the WLTP range is 600 km. Such performance comes at a price: in Germany, Denza lists the vehicle at €115,000. Later this year, a less performance-focused plug-in hybrid version will follow, priced at €101,000 and offering a combined range of 800 km.The all-electric Z9GT is the first vehicle in Europe to feature the second generation of the Blade Battery and supports BYD’s innovative “Flash Charging” system. The system delivers a charging capacity of up to 1,500 kW, enabling the Z9GT to charge from 10 to 70 per cent in just five minutes and from 10 to 97 per cent in only nine minutes. However, there is a significant caveat: Denza acknowledges that, at the European launch, this charging capacity via a single cable is currently only possible with a plug designed for the Chinese market.BYD confirmed at the event that it plans to open 6,000 Flash Charging stations outside China within the next twelve months, including 3,000 in Europe. However, details regarding the achievable charging capacities in Europe and specific locations remain unclear. Buyers of the Z9GT will receive 18 months of free charging at Flash Chargers if they order by the end of September, with an additional 12 months of free charging included for orders placed in October. Sales of the Z9GT will commence in the coming weeks at newly opened Denza stores in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.Finally, the second vehicle introduced for the European market: the Denza D9 DM-i launched in China in 2022 is a spacious van with premium features. According to Denza, it offers enough room for seven adults measuring 1.80 metres in height, seven 20-inch carry-on suitcases, and seven business backpacks. The vehicle’s plug-in hybrid system provides all-wheel drive, an electric range of 210 kilometres, and a combined range of 950 kilometres with a full battery and fuel tank.Source: via email