Denza brand to launch with bespoke dealer network

A new network of Denza dealerships will open in the UK to support the luxury arm of BYD, when it arrives next year.

Denza has already started its European launch programme but its arrival in the UK won't come until 2026.

The BYD Group brand will offer a line-up of high-performance luxury cars with electric and hybrid powertrain options.

"The Denza brand has European influence at its heart, and we are confident that buyers will find distinctive, unique appeal in the car’s mix of sophisticated, elegant design, strong performance and astounding technology," said executive vice president of BYD, Stella Li, speaking at the brand launch, which took place during Milan’s design week. 

Denza will land in Europe as a very separate entity to its parent brand: it’ll be sold in a separate network to BYD, with Li confirming that the brand will benefit from its own bespoke dealers, marketing and sales teams. 

She said: "When we launch into Denza, that’s more about premium. It's very important, not only to tell the story, but also pay attention to the details – and the service we will do much better."

Aftersales will be a key focus, benefiting from BYD’s groundwork and learnings. Li explained: "We need to pay extreme attention to the after sales service. We bring a very technologically [advanced] model, but then we’ll build up a very strong after-sales service.

"Then this gives people's confidence. BYD is a long-term player, and we will always be here, to service them anytime, waiting for them."

 [gallery id=1970]

Denza will debut with its Z9 GT, a four-door shooting brake penned by ex-Alfa, Lamborghini and Seat designer Wolfgang Eggers.

"This car is really ten times better than the competition," Li said at the brand launch, "we have a lot of unique features the other legacy brands do not have."

The Z9 GT has a triple motor electric powertrain with 965PS. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and has a range of almost 400 miles.

There will also be a dual motor plug-in hybrid version with 869PS.

An MPV will follow and Denza plans to offer six or seven cars in total, including two off-roaders.