By Jordan Grim • October 22, 2025 • 10:10 AM (ET)
By Jordan Grim • October 22, 2025 • 10:10 AM (ET)

BYD is pushing beyond budget electric vehicles and hybrids. Through its upscale Denza brand, the company aims to compete with top European brands. Denza vice president Stella Li has said their cars are much better than those from Porsche and BMW.
Now, Denza is developing a new sports car that could take on the next Porsche 718 Electric and even the Porsche 911. Called the Z, this all-electric coupe has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring track in Germany. This suggests BYD is serious about performance.
Denza has been building this model for a while. Earlier this year, they showed a concept version. The test car, even with camouflage, matches that concept closely. It stands out with its unique design, though it might not win beauty contests among sports cars.
From the front, the Z has big air intakes, a small center grille, and LED headlights. A clear front splitter helps with airflow, along with small flaps under the bumper. On the sides, it looks long with vents on the front wheel arches, similar to some Porsche RS models.
The test car rides on GitiSport GTR3 semi-slick tires. These are wide—325/30 at the back and 275/35 up front—showing BYD wants strong grip and handling.
The back end draws attention with a large fixed rear wing, a diffuser in the bumper, and LED taillights. These parts point to solid aerodynamics for track use.

Details on the power are still secret. Denza did not share much about the concept’s setup, but reports suggest the production Z might use three electric motors. The Denza Z9 GT already has this and makes 952 hp. Some early notes mentioned 536 hp for the Z, but that seems low for a sports car when the estate version has more.
If the Z gets over 900 hp, it could reach 62 mph in under 3 seconds. But speed is not everything. Testing at the Nürburgring means focus on corners too. The prototype has big brakes and likely Denza’s advanced suspension.
BYD entry into premium sports cars could shake up the market for US buyers. As electric vehicles grow popular, a model like the Z might appeal to those who like Porsche performance but want something new.
This move shows BYD ambition. Starting from affordable options, they now target luxury with Denza. Challenging Porsche means proving on tracks like the Nürburgring.
For drivers in the United States, the Z could offer a fresh choice. With its power and setup, it might handle daily drives and weekends at the track. BYD has built a reputation for reliable EVs, and this extends that to high-end models.
As of October 2025, details are emerging, but the Z looks ready to compete. Whether it beats Porsche models remains to be seen, but the effort is clear.
Denza aims high with this car. From concept to track testing, it shows commitment. US enthusiasts might soon have another option beyond traditional brands like Porsche.
The prototype’s features, like the wing and tires, suggest it’s built for serious driving. BYD is not just talking—they are testing against the best.
