Denza News

BYD is turning its attention to Europe's best performance car brands, revealing details about its new Denza Z sports car. The Denza Z is a fully-electric performance four-seater roaster, shaping up as a rival to petrol-powered and established alternatives such as the Mercedes-Benz SL Class. The Z has a three electric motor set-up, with two on the rear axle and one on the front, producing a combined 1180kW. It boasts a 0-100km/h time of less than two seconds and has a top speed of 350km/h, putting it into direct competition with the biggest names in the business. Unlike other Denza products, the Z will debut in Europe and China, signalling a clear intention from the brand to tackle established European rivals. There is no news on whether the Z will come to Australia, but if it does, it would likely not be for a few years, due to currently being left-hand drive only.Denza Australia has been contacted for comment to see if the Z will launch in Australia in the future. It would compliment the Z9 GT sports wagon due Down Under in the coming months.The Z is available as a hardtop or as a heavier convertible. It was first seen as a concept car last year at the Beijing Motor Show, with it keeping much of the same striking look. At 4780mm long, 1990mm wide and 1350mm tall, it is similarly-sized to the SL Class. Underneath the skin, there is an advanced adaptive suspension system that is also found on the Yangwang U9 top-end performance car. The Z's European future means BYD will come in ahead of many of its competition by offering a fully-electric sports car, with others still focusing on petrol power.Lamborghini recently pulled back its plans for an EV, putting resources into plug-in hybrid set-ups. Ferrari recently revealed its first-ever EV, the Luce, which has received polarising commentary. The Denza Z scheduled to launch from next month. 

It’s the equivalent of Toyota opening its own service station franchise, but BYD Australia has admitted it could open its own public electric vehicle charging network.It’s one of a number of options on the table for the Chinese brand as it introduces its proprietary ‘Flash charging’ system to Australia. The initial rollout will focus on its Denza premium brand dealers in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide before expanding to BYD dealers in the future, but beyond that the options are wide open.“We’re working through that, but we'll have them in public spaces,” explained Stephen Collins, BYD Australia chief operating officer.“Now, whether it's next to a KFC or a shopping centre or a standalone ... the ones in China, for example, are basically standalone, so they're basically like the old petrol station. But it's just electric, a mega charging- electric service station.”Collins said creating standalone charging ‘service stations’ is possible thanks to the Flash charging technology, which can recharge at up to 1500kW and take a compatible battery from zero to 97 per cent capacity in just nine minutes. Currently the most powerful chargers in Australia are 400kW.Because of the speed of charging, Collins said this opens up the possibility of specific charging locations, instead of so-called ‘destination chargers’, such as those at shopping centres and hotels.“ I think that what they've shown in China is… ultimately having a public charging station, like the old petrol station, you literally drive in and in six, seven, eight, nine minutes, bang you're full,” he said.The BYD boss also said that Flash charging should help reduce another factor in buyer hesitation towards electric vehicles.“ I think ‘time to charge’ has been a barrier, and that's what this technology solves,” he explained. “So I think it will be a big factor, next year and into the following years is that time to charge.”The technology is specific to BYD and Denza and requires the company’s latest generation Blade Batteries with 1000V capacity, so cars from other brands will not be able to use the Flash chargers.

BYD’s Fangchengbao brand has released official imagery of a new electric shooting brake wagon ahead of its launch in the domestic market in the third quarter of 2026.Dubbed the Fangchengbao Formula S GT, this is essentially a shooting brake version of the Formula S sedan that's already been shown.It forms as a key rival to the Porsche Taycan which is available both as a sedan and shooting brake wagon.As reported by China’s Autohome, this car will come with a fully electric powertrain with the electric motors being fed by a second-generation Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP), allowing flash charging capabilities.No official power, range or performance figures have been announced yet, but it’s expected there will be multiple variants.It’s also understood the Formula S GT features adaptive suspension, as well as semi-autonomous driving capabilities due to the LiDAR sensor on the roof.In terms of design, this electric liftback bears some similarities to the Denza Z9 GT which is already confirmed for an Australian launch later this year.It also has a similar footprint, with the Formula S GT measuring 5.0 metres long and 2.0 metres wide, with a 3.0-metre wheelbase.Some exterior design highlights include semi-flush door handles, diamond-shaped tail-lights, plus an active ducktail rear spoiler.Fangchengbao hasn’t officially revealed any imagery of the Formula S GT’s interior yet.At this stage it’s unclear whether the Formula S GT, or even the regular Formula S, will come to Australia.The Fangchengbao brand doesn’t have a presence in Australia, though a few of its models are badged as Denza models locally.Even if it comes to Australia, it’ll compete closely with the Denza Z9 GT, which is due to arrive before the end of 2026.Power will come from three electric motors with a total system output of 850kW. This will allow for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 2.7 seconds.Additionally, the Z9 GT will offer flash charging capabilities at up to 1500kW.

BYD’s Denza sub-brand has lifted its game.The brand has rolled out its first over-the-air software update, in the same way your smartphone improves itself periodically, for its plug-ing hybrid B5 and B8 4WDs.There are several headline grabbing improvements, but the real Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series smashing news is in the details.Denza’s B5 and B8 four-wheel drives have had their security improved with a driver password lock added to the vehicle.This is in direct contrast to the LandCruiser 300, which is being stolen in increasing numbers around Australia.Thieves are effectively using a device to clone keys to access and drive the vehicles.Toyota’s response is a bit more old school, with the company offering a steering wheel lock. The steering locks are available as a genuine Toyota accessory on all models, and in the past few decades were used as a deterrent to car thieves.The Denza B5 also now has a cruise control function when towing, a dedicated towing mode switch and users can select a trailer weight that Denza claims the vehicle to intelligently adjust its performance parameters to enhance stability and safety during towing.The bigger B8 also now has cruise control when towing and more accurate range estimates when hauling.The company also made tweaks to the duo’s off-road performance, with new traction control settings.This improves the off-road capability, driving stability and performance on sand.Increased safety includes anti-jam second and third row folding seats, which now stop if they detect resistance. It has also added turn signals into the head-up display alerts.Denza Australia Chief Operating Officer Mark Harland said this update shows the brand is listening to its customers right here in Australia.

China’s car industry may already have peaked, according to the boss of one of its biggest brands.Nio Chief Executive Officer William Li said the Chinese auto industry has moved past its “golden era”, according to Reuters.Electric vehicle sales in the country slumped 38 per cent in April, to a still astounding 443,000, which is the fourth straight month of sales declined in the world’s largest EV market.This is because of several issues.Li said car ownership in China had hit 370 million, which means it is no longer a growth market and instead the domestic market is considered “saturated”.Nio is known for its battery swap technology, but only has a small foothold outside of China, and is more at risk than others to poor domestic performance.Subsidies for EVs have also been reduced and a weak domestic economy are also to blame, according to Autonews.For BYD and Geely, two of China’s largest carmakers, net profit dropped by more than US$600m (A$840m).Tough home market conditions are likely to benefit global markets as Chinese brands push more models aggressively to boost total sales and keep factories in China humming. This could result in lower prices and more appealing vehicles sooner.Another benefit to markets of stagnating sales growth in China is the introduction of more widespread fast charging technology.Charging is the new battleground for electric car dollars in China.“Slow charging speeds, poor charging performance at low temperatures and anxiety about energy replenishment have remained the final hurdles in popularising electrified vehicles,” said BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu earlier this year.The company has begun rolling out its Flash charging network in China, which is capable of delivering speeds of up to 1500kW.BYD will have similar charging stations in Australia later this year.BYD is also rolling out vehicles capable of using these ultra fast chargers, though only the Denza Z9 electric sports car will be able to use their full capabilities in Oz this year.Solid state batteries are also destined to be another advanced selling point for electric cars in the next few years.Multiple Chinese brands are working on fitting the advanced power packs to their vehicles. These solid state cells are the holy grail of electric car batteries because they are more energy dense, which allows them to store more energy in smaller batteries. This will make electric 4WDs, utes and sports cars a reality by making EVs lighter. The batteries are also less prone to fire.

Believe it or don’t we’re almost halfway through the year and that calls for a round up of the cars that have stood out to us in 2026.So, we’ve asked our fellow test pilots around the CarsGuide office which new car has impressed them the most so far. Here’s our half-year top 5, in no particular order.Honda PreludeHonda’s reborn Prelude sports car is a reminder of the magic this iconic Japanese company can perform at a time when new Chinese brands are drawing our eyes away.A rival to the Toyota GR 86, Nissan Z and Mazda MX-5 the Prelude arrived in May with a hybrid powertrain and a drive-away price of $65,000.Based on the Honda Civic, the Prelude has a 2.0-litre four cylinder engine and an electric motor. Combined output is 149kW.CarsGuide contributor Byron Mathioudakis attended the Australian launch.“Firstly, the performance on offer goes far beyond the sum of its published numbers," he said."Secondly, the fluency of the chassis to communicate with the road and driver makes this a true enthusiast’s car. And thirdly, this leaves us wanting more."Long after the sensual lines are out of sight, your mind’s eye keeps looking back, yearning to return to the driver’s seat. All for $65K drive-away, folks."BMW M2 CSBMW’s new M2 CS arrived in May this year loudly announcing that angry performance petrol cars were still well and truly a thing - and a beautiful thing, too.The Competition Sport version of the mighty little M2 takes that little beast's straight-six turbo and squeezes out more grunt - 390kW and 650Nm.The M2 CS has been one of Senior Journalist Chris Thompson’s favourite finds of 2026 so far.“Small enough to still feel like a nimble sports car but it won't bite your hand too hard," Thompson said."Plenty of power and a healthy torque band, but enough compliance in the chassis/suspension that it doesn't feel entirely like driving a race car. Looks fully siq in Velvet Blue Metallic with Gold Bronze wheels."Denza B5BYD’s luxury brand Denza brought its Toyota Prado rival to Australia this year starting at a list price of just less than $75K.Production Editor Jack Quick drove this large super hybrid SUV at its Aussie launch and had this to say:“It rights the BYD Shark 6’s wrongs in terms of off-road capability and has undeniable value with the amount of high-end touches it has. Plus it’s ridiculously fast. However, it’s not perfect as it’s very heavy and has a busy ride.” Kia EV4 GT-LineKia’s fully electric EV4 sedan arrived in Australia in January looking slipperier than an eel.There’s a single motor making 150kW and 283Nm driving the front wheels and you can have it in three grades with the starting list price being $49,990.Deputy Editor James Cleary drove the EV4 and nominated it as one of the cars that impressed him this year."Polarising contemporary Kia exterior design... but I like it,” he said.  “Snappy, user-friendly interior. Strong performance and useful range. A $65K price tag for this flagship is in line with BYD Seal but $10K steeper than comparable Mazda 6e.” BYD Shark 6The BYD Shark 6 was awarded CarsGuide's Best Ute of 2026 and now it has returned with a more powerful engine (a 2.0-litre turbo petrol four cylinder) in the Performance grade.The new and improved plug-in hybrid ute addressed what was lacking in an otherwise outstanding vehicle - towing ability. Braked towing capacity has increased from 2500kg to 3500kg in the Performance.Dual motors (one at the front and one at the rear) combined with the petrol e engine make an impressive 350kW and 700Nm. Carsguide contributor Stephen Ottley was at the launch and said:“For grey nomads and others who have previously ruled it out, the BYD Shark 6 might suddenly be back on more shortlists.”

Denza is a premium sub-brand of BYD and the Denza B5 is best thought of as the BYD Shark 6’s posher, tougher cousin.Where the Shark 6 is a thoroughly competent all-wheel drive ute, well suited to tackling light to moderate off-roading, the B5 is a 4WD wagon with a low-range gear-set on the rear axle and diff locks front and rear.Those stark mechanical differences, as well as a sharply-calibrated off-road traction control system, set the two apart in terms of efficacy in off-road scenarios.But that doesn’t mean the Shark 6 is woeful off-road – it’s not – it’s simply that the B5 is much better.As mentioned, the Denza B5 is a luxury 4WD wagon with 16 drive modes, a low-range gear-set, and twin lockers.The B5 shares the same DMO (Dual Mode Off-road) body-on-frame platform as the Shark 6 and the same 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid system paired with dual electric motors, but the B5 is more powerful (425kW/760Nm) compared to the Shark 6 (321kW/650Nm). Note: The updated Shark 6 will have a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and dual electric motors, claimed to deliver total outputs of 350kW and 700Nm.Those aforementioned mechanical differences – low-range gearing and diff locks (front and rear) on the B5 – make a world of difference when it comes to off-roading and that’s where the B5 has it well and truly over the Shark 6.The Shark 6 doesn’t have 4WD, high- or low-range gearing, or diff-locks. It doesn’t even have a driveshaft connecting the rear wheels.Core differences between the Denza B5 and the BYD Shark 6?The Shark is essentially an all-wheel drive SUV whose off-road performance hinges on electronic traction control. It does not have low- or high-range 4WD and it does not have any locking differentials.It has a single-speed reduction gear/dedicated hybrid transmission (which enables electric-only driving and hybrid operation, switching between modes based on throttle demand and battery level).It also has an all-wheel drive system (split between the front and rear) and Drive modes include Eco, Normal and Sport) and Terrain modes include Sand, Snow, Mud and Mountain.In theory, single-speed reduction gears and off-road traction control systems should be able to somewhat replicate the efficacy of high- and low-range 4WD systems in light to moderate off-roading. In the real world that’s often not the case at all. A single-speed reduction gear approach in a 4WD is mechanically constrained in how much it can do and off-road traction control systems can be slow to act, clunky in application, and not up to the challenges asked of it.But the Shark 6 is effective off-road, as long as it’s driven within the parameters of its capabilities: light to moderate off-road conditions — that is, well-maintained dirt tracks in dry weather; do not take on any ‘4WD/high ground clearance only' tracks, prolonged sand-driving or rock-crawling.The Denza B5 Leopard has a low-range gear-set on its rear axle, and front and rear diff locks. It also has electronic torque vectoring at the front, and well-calibrated off-road traction control.This plug-in hybrid optimises a combination of driver-assist technology – including 16 drive modes with many of those designed for off-road scenarios – and with nicely dialled-in off-road traction control and mechanical diff locks on-board it is formidable in most off-road situations.In action, all of those modes adjust vehicle systems, throttle, and engine output to give the driver the best chance possible of getting safely through every off-road challenge.The Denza is better suited to challenging 4WDing than the Shark 6.Significant flaws in the first-phase Shark 6’s adventure potential include its lack of 4WD gearing and diff locks, and its below-par 2500kg towing capacity.The updated Shark 6 should be getting, at the least, a suspension upgrade and a full-blown software update — that delivers an off-road traction control system capable of replicating as closely as possible the workings of low-range gearing and diff locks.Alas, it’s not getting those things.However, it will get a gutsier 2.0-litre engine (with outputs of 350kW/700Nm, compared to the current 1.5-litre engine, with outputs of 321kW/650Nm) and a towing upgrade to 3500kg.So, that’s something.The Shark 6 was the best-selling PHEV in 2025, and it continues to sell well. Its core market is likely those who don’t want a hard-core 4WD but rather a vehicle that, as standard, is very effective in light to moderate off-roading and works as a comfortable (for a ute) daily driver.And, if that’s the case, it excels.And it can be easily improved.If you already own a BYD Shark 6 and you want to improve its off-road performance, replace the standard tyres – Continental CrossContact All Terrain (265/65R18) – with a set of more aggressive all-terrains. Hey, bloody presto! You’ve instantly made this light-duty AWD better.Ultimately, the Denza B5 is the better option if challenging off-road adventures are your goal – it’s premium-plush, sure, but it’s also capable of much more in the dirt than the BYD Shark 6.The extra cash you’ll spend buying a B5 ($74,990*, excluding on-road costs, for the base-spec variant) rather than a Shark ($57,990*, excluding on-road costs) equates to greater peace of mind if you’re heading out bush or along a (legally drivable) beach. (* Price correct at time of writing.)

The chairman and founder of BYD, Wang Chufu, has reportedly told Chinese media battery supply at the surging automaker has become “tight” as it rolls out several new models and initiatives.As reported by Chinese outlet IT Home, Chufu told media at a YangWang business research conference that battery supply is currently “tight” as the company releases several new models across its range of brands.This is particularly due to the company releasing a range of ultra-fast-charging newcomers in China using the company’s 'flash charging' technology. These models have proven popular with buyers and are attracting massive pre-order lists.The company’s incoming Great Tang flagship SUV with flash charging tech, for example, attracted 100,000 orders in the Chinese domestic market during its recent pre-sale phase, adding to demand for the next-generation Atto 3 (Yuan Plus) and just-updated Denza N9 with flash charging. As a result, Chinese media is reporting deliveries of some new cars will be delayed as pre-orders exceed BYD’s capabilities to produce the second-generation version of its signature ‘Blade’ battery.On top of demand for the cars themselves, BYD is also needing to supply batteries for the roll-out of its new-generation flash charging pylons, which sidestep the limitations of the power grid by using a buffer battery with ultra fast output capabilities.The pylons charge the ultra-fast battery, which can then output the massive speeds required to meet BYD’s flash charging claims.The Great Tang, for example, can charge from 10 - 80 per cent in as fast as nine minutes despite wielding an enormous 130.15kWh battery pack granting it up to 950km of range according to the more lenient CLTC measuring standard in rear-wheel drive form.Chinese media is estimating BYD has booked 140,000 orders for models equipped with flash charging tech. It has rolled out nearly 6000 flash charging stations, and plans to have 20,000 online before the end of the year, according to CarNewsChina, each with its own buffer battery.Speaking to CarsGuide though, BYD Australia spokesperson Paul Ellis said the brand wasn’t anticipating any waitlists or delays on locally-delivered vehicles.“Quite the opposite. We’ve got 30,000 cars coming in Q2,” he said, adding the usual average wait times for other brands weren’t acceptable for the Chinese upstart.“Anything up to 12 weeks is acceptable, but for us that’s too late, we’re talking a handful of weeks, single digits,” Ellis said.The brand just added a dedicated ship for delivering new cars to Australia the BYD Zhengzhou which in its first voyage will carry nearly 5000 new BYD and Denza cars to our market.However, Australia is yet to receive any cars with the particularly supply constrained second-generation Blate battery tech.The first model to get that will be the Z9 GT arriving in the third quarter of 2026. Ellis told CarsGuide there will be ample supply of the niche sports GT when it arrives.BYD also plans to enter the charging infrastructure game with the aforementioned flash charging stations before the end of the year. The first will arrive in Q4 in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide Denza dealerships, with a view to expand to stand-alone sites in the future like those operated by Tesla.The news comes as BYD continues to leap up the sales charts, not just in Australia, but in other export markets around the world.Thus far in 2026, BYD has more than doubled its sales (up 110.8 per cent year-on-year), amassing 25,243 registrations locally, ranking second ahead of Kia and Hyundai and behind only Toyota for the month of April. Year-to-date, the Chinese challenger brand is now fifth in the Australian market, as it forges toward its goal of being top-three in our market before the end of 2026. It is only a few hundred sales from eclipsing Ford, but has several thousand to go to challenge Kia or Mazda in third and second place, respectively.

BYD is about to deploy the ace up its sleeve.The Chinese behemoth recently confirmed it would be building its own Flash charging network in Australia, with the first sites at Denza dealers in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide ready to go at the end of the year.BYD’s flash chargers are capable of delivering up to 1500kW of juice to electric cars and replenishing batteries from 0 to 97 per cent in nine minutes.That’s almost four times the power of the most powerful electric charger in Australia, with the first of Ampcharge’s 400kW pylons recently installed at Sydney’s Eastern Creek and Evie's 400kW chargers also being installed in Sutton Forest between Sydney and Canberra.BYD said it would be building the network in major cities, not rural areas.Now BYD — and its Denza sub-brand vehicles — are rolling out flash charging compatible versions of popular models in China.The latest to break cover overseas is flash charging compatible versions of the Denza B5 and B8 plug-in hybrid 4WDs. These models are known as the Fangchengbao B5 and B8 in China.This would give the Chinese brand a big advantage over conventional 4WDs such as the Toyota LandCruiser, incoming Nissan Y63 Patrol and new Mitsubishi Pajero.The plan is for BYD and Denza branded models to all get flash charging capabilities when they are available for Australia. Denza Australia wouldn't confirm when that would be for the B5 and B8.These updated models also come with bigger batteries, according to Chinese reports.The pair gain a new circa-46kWh battery that can help deliver a total driving range of close to 1400km when the battery and fuel tank are drained.More powerful electric motors, one front and one rear, boost combined power to 505kW/760Nkm for the B5 and 550kW/760Nm for the B8.Styling remains the same, with the rugged boxy shape staying put. Chinese models gain a range of Lidar tech that will assist autonomous driving, but this upgrade is unlikely for Australia where the tech isn’t as desirable.The rollout of ultra fast charging vehicles would remove the final hurdle for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles in Australia.The ability to quickly charge makes travelling around this vast nation less of a mental barrier for many motorists considering making the switch. 

BYD's tough looking family SUV could be destined for Australia.The Titanium 7 or Ti7 is a similar size to the Toyota Prado, but its fully-electric set-up means it sits in a largely untapped space of the market. It is from BYD's FangChengBao sub-brand, which is sold wearing Denza badges locally, and spawned the B5 and B8 4WDs.There are also plug-in hybrid versions of the Ti7, which have a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired with either single or dual electric motors.This would be a more conventional rival to GWM Tank 300, which has been a popular choice in the Aussie market. The Tank 300 features a more rugged ladder frame chassis as opposed to the lifestyle-focused monocoque chassis on BYD’s example. It is expected this car would appear under the Denza sub-brand in Australia, following the launch of its B5 and B8 off-roaders recently.The Ti7 sits in between the B5 and the B8 in size, measuring at 4999mm long, 1995mm wide and 1865mm tall. Its wheelbase is 2920mm.Adding further fuel to the fire is the fact BYD has trademarked ‘Ti7’ Down Under, but there is no official news yet on its arrival. BYD Australia said the car is not currently on the brand's radar.The Ti7 comes in two variants which are a single electric motor rear-wheel drive, producing 300kW and a dual electric motor all-wheel drive, producing 515kW.Both models are fitted with a 106kWh battery, with the RWD offering 755km of driving range, while the AWD has 675km, both according to more generous CLTC testing standards. On the inside, there is a 15.6-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital driver display, along with a head-up display spanning 26.0-inches along the windscreen. It has a starting price of 220,000 yuan, which is roughly $45,000, but expect a bump on that figure if it ever makes its way to Australia.