BYD’s New Sedan Tops Bugatti Chiron’s Power at Half Its European Price in China

BYD’s premium brand Denza has opened domestic pre-sales for its all-electric supercar, the Denza Z.

The model comes in three versions: Coupe, Spider, and Racing. Pre-sale prices stand at RMB 680K ($100.3K), RMB 780K ($115.0K), and RMB 1.18M ($174.0K), respectively. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Denza Z delivers a combined peak output of 1,180kW, equal to around 1,604 hp. The Racing version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 1.96 seconds, with a top speed of 350 km/h.

Positioned as the world’s first electric supercar equipped with BYD’s Yi San Fang technology, Denza Z comes standard with a carbon-fiber roof, S-Duct cooling channels, and DiSus-M intelligent magnetorheological suspension. The Racing version adds a fixed large carbon-fiber rear wing, while carbon-ceramic brakes are available as an option.

Denza previously revealed overseas pricing during the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. The Coupe version is priced at £142.9K (RMB 1,295K), the Spider at £159.9K (RMB 1,449K), and the Racing version at £172.9K (RMB 1,567K).

Based on current exchange rates, the three variants translate to around RMB 1.295M, RMB 1.449M, and RMB 1.567M overseas. Compared with the RMB 680K domestic starting price, the entry-level overseas version costs about RMB 615K more, nearly twice the domestic price.

BYD has previously adopted a similar pricing strategy overseas. The ATTO 3, known as Yuan Plus in China, starts at around RMB 140K domestically, while European pricing reaches around €38K ($44.1K), equivalent to roughly RMB 299K.

The overseas premium for Denza Z is even more significant.

In the UK, the £140K to £170K price range overlaps with models such as the Porsche 911, McLaren GT, and Aston Martin Vantage. By entering this segment, Denza aims to use a high-performance flagship model to build stronger premium recognition in global markets.

Denza Z is also preparing for a Nürburgring Nordschleife challenge. The track-focused vehicle, named Denza Z Special Edition, is based on the Racing version with further performance upgrades. BYD hopes a Nürburgring lap time will strengthen Denza Z’s high-performance electric supercar image while adding stronger motorsport DNA to the brand.

From a performance perspective, Denza Z shows clear advantages. Its output of more than 1,600 hp and sub-two-second acceleration capability places it in a performance range traditionally dominated by combustion-engine hypercars. The power figure is close to the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, while the two models sit in vastly different price categories.

Within BYD’s brand portfolio, Denza Z’s 1,604 hp output even exceeds the current Yangwang U9. Choosing Denza rather than the higher-positioned Yangwang brand for such a performance model may reflect BYD’s broader brand strategy.

Denza has spent recent years building its premium new-energy image through models including the D9, N9, and Z9, focusing largely on luxury, comfort, and family mobility. Denza Z expands that positioning with stronger performance and sport-oriented attributes. The model could help broaden Denza’s customer base while attracting younger buyers seeking high-performance electric vehicles.

The pricing gap between domestic and overseas markets may also create additional market impact. Compared with overseas prices exceeding RMB 1.4M, Chinese buyers can access the same model at a significantly lower price, potentially strengthening perceptions of product value in the domestic market.

For Chinese EV brands, however, entering European luxury performance segments through high-performance models remains a new challenge. Chinese automakers have traditionally expanded overseas through pricing advantages and value-driven products. Denza Z represents a different approach, using performance credentials to build brand premium.

If Denza Z gains recognition in Europe’s high-performance EV market, it could offer a new pathway for Chinese EV brands to move from “product exports” toward “brand expansion.”