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Official launch of Denza in Europe

23 Jul 2025

DENZA was founded in 2010 as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz, uniquely combining European design, luxury experience and Chinese expertise in electrification.

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Stella Li on stage in front of an audience

These European genes remain at the heart of Denza products today, because although the brand is now 100% owned by BYD, its design is led by renowned German designer Wolfgang Egger. And, of course, the brand is more than ever supported by BYD's huge research and development department, where more than 120,000 engineers are continuously working on innovative technologies designed to improve the user experience.

Z9GT in front of Milan Cathedral

During Milan Design Week, it was confirmed that the European market launch will begin with the Z9GT, an advanced model with numerous unique features for the premium market. The second model to be launched is the D9, a 7-seater van that combines sustainable propulsion with an interior that promises business comfort.

Each letter of the Denza name stands for a key feature of the brand values:

D for Diverse refers to the wide range of features that the vehicle range will cover; E for Elegance refers to the timeless design, comfortable dynamics and interior of the Denza models. N stands for Novel, reflecting the unique features of Denza vehicles, while Z stands for Zenith, thanks to the sophistication of the tailor-made e3 platform and the complete focus on new energy technologies. Finally, A stands for Aspirational, underlining Denza's positioning in the premium segment with sophisticated design, quality and high-grade materials.

Timeless elegance of design meets cutting-edge technology

Chief Designer Wolfgang Egger explains: ‘There are rules for design, just like in architecture. Every line, every graphic element, every surface must relate to the rest and make sense. True lines emphasise the beauty of the sculpture, and that's exactly what we've achieved with Denza.’ Visually, Denza combines elegant finesse and high-quality craftsmanship to create a strong sense of robustness, safety and power, paired with exceptional sophistication and aerodynamic efficiency. The simple and clear surfaces of the vehicles are inspired by silk, a fabric that is luxurious both to the eye and to the touch. The interior of the Denza models exudes a high-tech atmosphere with a large touchscreen in the centre of the console and a wraparound cockpit, as well as multimedia screens for the rear passengers' infotainment systems and high-quality audio systems.

Cockpit Denza Z9GT
Interior Denza Z9GT
Boot Denza Z9GT
Side view Denza Z9GT
Front view Denza Z9GT
Back view Denza Z9GT

Powered by the advanced e³ platform

e³ platform of Z9GT

At the heart of the Z9GT is the e3 platform, which was developed specifically for Denza. It offers a range of features that are unique in their class worldwide and are based on four core technologies: independent three-motor drive, dual-motor rear-wheel steering, vehicle motion control and battery integration into the body (Cell-to-Body - CTB). Thanks to this comprehensive solution, vehicles with the e3 platform have unique capabilities in the premium segment: the turning radius of a European city car in an E-segment model, a crab driving function for narrow, obstacle-strewn roads, and world-leading response times that enable a higher level of dynamic handling and safety.

DENZA in figures

  • 2010 Denza was formed from a partnership agreement between BYD and Daimler with the aim of creating a new premium brand.
  • 2014 Market launch of the EV, Denza's first model.
  • 2021 Denza undergoes a major overhaul with the introduction of a new brand identity and an even stronger focus on high-quality design and technology.
  • 2023 Denza expands its product range by integrating its elegant design approach and advanced technologies into sedans and SUVs. This enables the brand to enter many new segments and reach new customers.
  • 2024 Denza begins developing and launching models for foreign markets, redefining the standards of sophistication, elegance and sustainable technology that customers expect from a top-of-the-range vehicle.
  • 2025 The Denza brand officially arrives in Europe after being unveiled at the prestigious Brera Design Week in Milan.
Tony de Clercq

Tony de Clercq

Editor – Info Garage (Belgium)

Reporting for Gateway from the world of automotive.

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