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Denza is a Chinese premium new-energy vehicle brand jointly established in 2010 by BYD and Daimler Greater China Investment Co., Ltd., with headquarters in Shenzhen. As China’s first new-energy vehicle joint-venture brand, Denza is positioned as a “technology-driven, safety-focused premium automotive brand,” with the mission of “creating a new premium all-around mobility experience for users.” The brand combines BYD’s industry-leading electric powertrain technologies with Daimler’s extensive vehicle manufacturing expertise.
In 2024, BYD completed the full acquisition of Denza, after which the brand became BYD’s premium luxury marque. The brand’s official ambassador is actress Gao Yuanyuan.
Denza’s development can be divided into four phases, centered around changes in the shareholding structure between BYD and Mercedes-Benz.
In May 2010, BYD and Germany’s Daimler Group signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a 50:50 joint venture in China dedicated to the new-energy vehicle sector.
In February 2011, the two parties formally established Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd. (later renamed Denza Automobile), each holding a 50% stake. The brand was named “DENZA,” symbolizing “empowering the future of electric mobility.”
In 2014, Denza launched its first mass-produced battery-electric vehicle, the Denza 300, marking the beginning of the brand’s commercialization journey.
In December 2021, BYD and Daimler completed a shareholding restructuring. BYD’s stake increased from 50% to 90%, while Mercedes-Benz’s stake was reduced to 10%, giving BYD effective control of the Denza brand.
In May 2022, Denza launched its first MPV, the Denza D9. Leveraging its premium positioning, accurate market insight, and BYD’s technological support, the D9 quickly became a major success in the premium MPV segment and marked a turning point for the brand.
In 2023, Denza’s annual sales exceeded 100,000 units for the first time.
In September 2024, BYD repurchased the remaining 10% stake held by Mercedes-Benz, increasing its ownership to 100%. The former joint venture subsequently became a wholly owned subsidiary of BYD.
Although Mercedes-Benz exited as a shareholder, the two companies continued to maintain close cooperation in technology and product development.
In 2025, Denza entered a period of rapid expansion, successively launching models including the flagship N9 SUV, N7, N8L, and the high-performance Z9GT sedan. The product lineup expanded beyond MPVs to include SUVs and sedans.
In November 2025, cumulative deliveries of the Denza D9 surpassed 300,000 units worldwide, making it the first new-energy MPV to achieve this milestone.
In April 2026, the second-generation Denza D9 was officially launched, featuring the second-generation Blade Battery, the God’s Eye 5.0 intelligent driving system, and ultra-fast charging technology. The vehicle also marked the rollout of BYD Group’s 16 millionth new-energy vehicle and was described as the “flagship anchor” of the brand’s global expansion strategy.
At the Beijing Auto Show later that year, Denza showcased its full lineup, including the new D9, new N9, new N8L, and the Denza Z Convertible, covering segments ranging from MPVs and large SUVs to premium convertible supercars.
Denza has established a comprehensive product portfolio spanning MPVs, SUVs, sedans, and convertible sports cars, covering the RMB 300,000–800,000 market range.
The D9 is the brand’s sales pillar and a leading model in the global new-energy MPV segment.
The first-generation D9 delivered 103,400 units in 2025, accounting for approximately 66% of Denza’s total sales. It ranked first in overall MPV sales for three consecutive years and surpassed 300,000 cumulative deliveries, becoming the world’s first new-energy MPV to achieve this milestone.
On April 27, 2026, the second-generation D9 was officially launched with three plug-in hybrid variants and three battery-electric variants, priced between RMB 359,800 and RMB 469,800.
The entire lineup comes standard with the second-generation Blade Battery, the God’s Eye 5.0 intelligent driving system, and the Heyuan Ultra-Integrated Power Platform.
The plug-in hybrid version offers a CLTC electric-only range of up to 401 km and fuel consumption of only 5.85 L/100 km in charge-depleted conditions.
The battery-electric version provides a driving range of up to 800 km. Its ultra-fast charging technology enables “usable charge in five minutes and full charge in nine minutes,” while charging time increases by only three minutes in temperatures as low as -30°C.
The chassis is equipped with the dual-valve DiSus-C Intelligent Damping Body Control System and an anti-motion-sickness intelligent stabilization system. Inside, the cabin supports connectivity across up to 11 screens, while second-row passengers enjoy premium semi-aniline leather Cloud Velvet seats and other luxury appointments.
The N9 serves as the brand’s technology flagship and is positioned as a full-size luxury SUV.
It comes standard with the e³ intelligent vehicle control platform, the DiSus-A Intelligent Air Body Control System, the God’s Eye B LiDAR-assisted driving system, and a dedicated 2.0-liter turbocharged plug-in hybrid engine.
The vehicle integrates four core technologies: triple-motor independent drive, rear dual-motor independent steering, Vehicle Motion Control (VMC), and CTB (Cell-to-Body) battery-body integration. It accelerates from 0–100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
Positioned in the RMB 300,000-class large luxury SUV segment, the N8L is equipped with the e³ technology platform, the God’s Eye B LiDAR-assisted driving system, and a dedicated 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid engine.
It accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and has a braking distance of 35.4 meters.
The Z9GT is a high-performance luxury shooting brake and one of Denza’s dual flagship sedan models.
It features e³ technology, an AI-powered intelligent cockpit, and the DiSus-A intelligent body control system.
At the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, Denza displayed a special “Black Myth: Wukong”-themed show car based on the Z9GT, strengthening its appeal among younger audiences.
The Denza Z Convertible is a luxury high-performance roadster that made its global debut at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show.
With a combined output exceeding 1,000 horsepower and a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of under two seconds, it is equipped with the e³ platform, DiSus-M suspension technology, steer-by-wire, and a fully integrated by-wire chassis system.
The model represents the culmination of Denza’s technological capabilities in the ultra-high-performance and ultra-luxury segments.
In addition, Denza has planned several future products for global markets, including a flagship SUV codenamed B5 for Europe, which will join the D9 and Z9GT to form the brand’s first “trident” flagship lineup in the European market.
The Denza D9 has achieved benchmark status within the industry.
In 2025, the model delivered 103,400 units and ranked first in MPV sales for the third consecutive year. It captured nearly 60% of the premium new-energy MPV market, achieved an average transaction price of RMB 412,000, and saw high-end variants account for 41% of sales.
The brand’s overall customer repurchase rate reached 42%, with owners primarily consisting of business professionals, entrepreneurs, and multi-child families aged between 35 and 55. Denza ranks among the leading Chinese premium new-energy brands in terms of pricing power.
Entering 2026, market conditions changed significantly. Brand sales declined to 2,904 units in January, while plug-in hybrid sales recovered to 3,991 units in March. However, this still represented a year-on-year decline of 54.95%.
Competing models such as the Voyah Dream and Wey Gaoshan surpassed monthly sales of 7,000 units, while new entrants including the Zhijie V9 prepared to enter the segment, increasing competitive pressure on the D9.
Following the launch of the second-generation D9 in April, Denza expects its comprehensive technological upgrades to help the model regain momentum.
Overseas markets have become another major growth engine.
Between 2025 and 2026, the right-hand-drive D9 entered major European markets including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. With overseas pricing exceeding RMB 1 million, the model entered traditional luxury segments as a representative of China’s premium new-energy vehicle industry.
The brand has also performed strongly in ASEAN markets including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
At the Bangkok International Motor Show, BYD and Denza secured a combined 18,057 orders. BYD’s total vehicle registrations in Thailand exceeded 50,000 units in 2025, representing year-on-year growth of 90%.
To date, Denza has entered more than 40 countries and regions worldwide, with the D9 ranking among the best-selling luxury MPVs in multiple overseas markets.
Denza’s technology foundation combines BYD’s electric vehicle expertise with Mercedes-Benz’s century-long automotive heritage. Through the integration of BYD’s e³ platform, DiSus body control technologies, and God’s Eye intelligent driving systems, the brand has established a proprietary intelligent-electric architecture.
The e³ platform is Denza’s exclusive and globally leading core technology.
It integrates four key technologies: triple-motor independent drive, rear dual-motor independent steering, Vehicle Motion Control (VMC), and full-range CTB battery-body integration.
The platform significantly expands vehicle handling limits and all-scenario adaptability, providing the foundation for Denza’s combination of high performance and exceptional maneuverability, including 0–100 km/h acceleration times in the 3.9-second range.
Different versions of the DiSus system are deployed according to vehicle positioning.
DiSus-C is used in MPVs such as the D9, delivering superior ride stability and anti-motion-sickness functionality.
DiSus-A, the intelligent air body control system, is equipped on premium models such as the N9 and Z9, enabling proactive adjustment of ride height and damping according to road conditions.
The flagship Denza Z Convertible features DiSus-M, offering greater dynamic capability and chassis flexibility.
Different versions are matched to different vehicle segments.
The second-generation D9 comes standard with God’s Eye 5.0, while models including the N9, N8L, and Z9GT are equipped with the God’s Eye B LiDAR-assisted driving system (DiPilot 300).
Powered by an end-to-end large AI model architecture, the system enables point-to-point navigation-assisted driving across a wide range of real-world scenarios.
The second-generation D9 is the first Denza model equipped with BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery, offering high energy density, improved low-temperature performance, and enhanced safety.
The battery-electric version delivers an 800 km driving range, while the plug-in hybrid version offers 401 km of electric-only range.
The vehicle is built on the Heyuan Ultra-Integrated Power Platform, while ultra-fast charging technology addresses charging efficiency concerns. More than 5,500 ultra-fast charging stations have already been established, with plans to expand the network to 20,000 stations by year-end.
Plug-in hybrid models utilize BYD’s fifth-generation DM technology and a dedicated 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid engine, delivering a combined driving range exceeding 1,100 km.
Looking toward the next decade of globalization, Denza has identified three strategic pillars: proprietary technology development, ecosystem collaboration, and deep localization.
In November 2025, Denza announced its offensive strategy for the UK market and unveiled its UK market action plan. The company plans to introduce the flagship Denza Z supercar at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed and officially launch the model across Europe in 2027.
By the end of 2026, Denza plans to expand into more than 30 European countries and establish over 150 retail outlets. Meanwhile, parent company BYD plans to deploy 6,000 ultra-fast charging stations overseas, including 3,000 in Europe alone.
In ASEAN and broader Asia-Pacific markets, expansion efforts began in 2025. Denza’s flagship store in Hong Kong secured nearly 1,000 orders during its first month of operation, illustrating the brand’s strategic evolution from merely “going global” to becoming deeply integrated into overseas markets.
Supported by BYD’s most advanced technologies and accelerating global expansion, Denza will continue to embody BYD’s philosophy that “technology is king,” pushing the boundaries of what defines luxury while remaining true to its founding vision: making premium new-energy mobility not merely an expensive aspiration, but an accessible Chinese standard and a reliable promise for customers worldwide.
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