BYD Launches DENZA Z: Steer-by-Wire Concept Sports Car

【PCauto】At the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, BYD not only showed the extended-wheelbase Yangwang U8L, but also presented the Ocean-S concept car and the premium Dynasty-D full-size concept vehicle. Additionally, Denza unveiled its first concept sports car, the DENZA Z.

The DENZA Z not only has a unique design style, but also is equipped with a number of innovative technologies, which has attracted the attention of many viewers.

In terms of exterior appearance, the Denza Z adopts the "Pure Emotion" design idea that combines aerodynamics with functional aesthetics. Its front fascia stands out with a unique combination of quad-point light signatures and angular daytime running light strips. The design of front bumper and gill-inspired vents on the hood is based on the aerodynamics, demonstrating its pursit for the outstanding performance.

The profile adopts frameless window glass with flush-mounted trim, integrated wheel arch vents, and sporty 21-inch wheels with eye-catching yellow brake calipers. The frameless doors and flush-mounted door handles enhance both visual appeal and the coupe's streamlined silhouette.

The rear features a curvature-gradient design with a large fixed spoiler that generates substantial downforce at high speeds for enhanced stability. The taillights incorporate diamond-shaped elements that create high visual recognition when illuminated.

The interior of the Denza Z adopts a race-car-inspired cockpit design, with every detail meticulously designed for both driving practicality and comfort.

The front row features a large full-digital instrument cluster and a floating central touchscreen, providing the driver with easy access to vehicle information and controls.

A separate LCD screen is also available for the front passenger's entertainment during trips. The floating center console, with carbon fiber trim, shows a strong sense of technology and excellent quality.

The Denza Z is equipped with the integrated carbon fiber seats with four-point harnesses, providing excellent support and protection for driver during driving. The roll cage in the rear compartment further enhances the vehicle's safety performance.

Technologically, the Denza Z incorporates multiple groundbreaking innovations. A major highlight is China's first fully self-developed steer-by-wire system, which eliminates traditional mechanical steering linkages. This system offers rapid response times and high steering precision, delivering safer and more agile handling.

The fully embedded folding steering wheel based on this technology not only removes collision risks associated with conventional steering columns but also increases driver space by 14%, allowing for more flexible cockpit layouts.

Yunnian-M, as the industry's first intelligent magnetorheological body control system specifically designed for new energy cars, is also adopted by the Denza Z. Utilizing magnetorheological principles, Yunnian-M can rapidly adjust suspension damping with response times under 10 milliseconds. The combination of Yunnian-M and the preview system allows the Denza Z to maintain stability across all road conditions - providing body support during sharp turns, eliminating nose-dive during braking, and ensuring smooth rides on bumpy surfaces, perfectly balancing driving performance and ride comfort.

Denza Z is also equipped with a full line control chassis, realizing the comprehensive line control of the chassis system, which can more accurately control the car's driving posture and performance, and improve the stability and controllability of driving. The world's first e³ Technology Platform that can implement three motor independent drives and original rear wheel steering at the same time.

BYD official said that Denza Z can use pure electric power, can also use hybrid power, has the characteristics of flexible control, strong sense of technology, high safety, can meet the needs of different users in various scenarios.

As the first model for Denza Automotive to enter the sports car field, Denza Z shows the strength and innovative spirit of China's high-end new energy brands through its unique design and leading technology.

It breaks the performance limits of traditional sports cars and proves the ability of Chinese brands in high-end sports car manufacturing. With the debut of Denza Z, we look forward to its performance after mass production in the future.

The fully embedded folding steering wheel based on this technology not only eliminates the safety hazards of traditional steering column collisions, but also increases the main driver's space by 14%, allowing for a more flexible cockpit layout.

The industry's first intelligent magneto-rheological body control system designed specifically for new energy sources - Yunnian-M, is also used in the Denza Z. It employs the principle of magneto-rheological damping to rapidly adjust suspension response time within 10 milliseconds. No matter the road conditions, the Denza Z can remain stable during sharp turns, avoid pitching during braking, and offers smooth rides on bumpy roads, balancing both driving performance and passenger comfort.

In addition, the Denza Z  is equipped with a fully wire-controlled chassis, achieving comprehensive wire-control of the chassis system for more precise control of vehicle dynamics and performance, thereby enhancing driving stability and handling. It also features the world's first e³ Technology Platform capable of simultaneous three-motor independent drive and innovative rear-wheel steering.

BYD officially states that the Denza Z will be available in both pure electric and hybrid variants, featuring flexible handling, advanced technology, and high safety standards to meet diverse user needs across various scenarios.

As Denza's first model of sports car, the Denza Z shows the strength and innovative spirit of China's premium new energy vehicle brands through its unique design and leading-edge technology.

Denza breaks through the performance limitations of traditional sports cars, proving Chinese brands' competence in high-end sports car manufacturing. With the debut of the Denza Z, we look forward to its performance when it enters mass production.