Chinese electric vehicle (EV) leader BYD, which recently overtook Tesla in global sales of electrified vehicles, is now steering into luxury territory with its new Denza Z. Unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2025, China’s largest auto exhibition, the sleek, deep-blue EV is positioned to compete with high-end Western brands like Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. The launch signals BYD’s aggressive push beyond affordable electric mobility, into the premium car segment.
The Denza Z, part of BYD’s Denza brand originally co-developed with Mercedes-Benz, is now fully owned by the Chinese auto giant. The brand’s latest offering is said to be packed with cutting-edge technology and upscale features, targeting both performance enthusiasts and tech-savvy consumers. The Denza Z follows the recent launch of the Denza N9 SUV, priced at ₹44 lakh (approx. $53,000), and joins BYD’s ultra-premium Yangwang brand, whose U8L SUV was also showcased at the event. The Yangwang series operates in the ₹1 crore+ category, having already crossed 10,000 sales this year.
BYD’s rise continues as Tesla struggles with slowing demand and trade-related challenges. While Tesla reported a 9% drop in quarterly sales and a sharp 71% dip in net profits, BYD surged ahead with a 60% increase in Q1 2025, selling over a million new-energy vehicles. Its 2024 revenue hit ₹8.9 lakh crore ($107 billion), with deliveries topping 4.27 million cars — dwarfing Tesla’s 1.79 million. Though Tesla still narrowly leads in all-electric car shipments, BYD’s stronghold in hybrids and its expanding portfolio suggest a broader strategy to dominate various segments.
The company is also pushing technological innovation, recently introducing the “God’s Eye” driver-assistance system and a lightning-fast charging technology that adds 400 km of range in just five minutes — well ahead of Tesla’s Supercharger performance. BYD plans to double international sales to over 800,000 units by 2025, aided by local assembly strategies to maintain cost efficiency. However, international markets remain complex, with trade restrictions in the U.S. and Europe posing challenges. Yet, BYD’s momentum and technological edge make it a formidable force reshaping the future of global electric mobility.
