BYD Denza Z is a 1,000 hp luxury drop-top EV hypercar [Images]

BYD calls it the world’s first intelligent electric supercar. After its global debut at the Beijing Auto Show, the Denza Z is set to go head-to-head with Europe’s luxury automakers this summer.

BYD Denza Z debuts as a new global electric hypercar

The Denza Z marks “a watershed moment for the global auto industry,” BYD said, as it gears up to take on the million-dollar luxury supercar segment that’s been historically dominated by European automakers.

It was displayed as a convertible in production form at the event with a soft-top retractable roof. Renowned German automotive designer, Wolfgang Egger, who is now BYD’s Global Design Director, led the meticulously crafted design.

The four-seat convertible is based on the “Pure Emotion” design theme with carbon fiber bodywork, seats, and more to reduce weight and improve performance. It also includes an air duct on the hood to enable “ground-hugging flight” with improved downforce at high speeds.

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Packing over 1,000 horsepower, BYD claims the Denza Z can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in less than 2 seconds.

It also features BYD’s new Blade Battery and Flash Charging 2.0 system, enabling it to recharge in as little as 5 minutes. While details are still limited, the drop-top will likely feature around the same WLTP driving range as the Denza Z9 GT with up to 599 km (372 miles).

The Denza Z also features the same Disus-M intelligent body control system as the Yangwang U9 that’s engineered specifically for high-performance.

BYD is already testing the new Z model at the legendary Nürburgring track ahead of its global launch this summer at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Denza is running a competition to name each of the three specific editions that will be offered: Standard, Convertible, and Track.

While further specs and prices will be revealed closer to launch, the Denza Z model will likely cost more than the Z9 GT that launched in Europe earlier this month for around €115,000 ($134,500).

The Denza Z9 GT is available in both purely electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. The EV variant uses a 122.49 kWh battery pack and three electric motors, delivering a combined 1,140 hp (850 kW) and a WLTP range of up to 599 km (372 miles).