BYD's Denza Launches EVs, PHEVs in Mexico, Targets Premium Market

Denza, BYD’s premium brand, is set to officially launch operations in Mexico in 3Q25, targeting premium consumers traditionally served by BMW, Audi, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. The launch will feature three electrified models: the Denza Z9 GT, Denza D9, and Denza B5, with a focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in line with BYD’s global zero-emissions mobility goals.

“Denza’s arrival marks a significant step in BYD’s expansion strategy in the Americas,” said Stella Li, Vice President of BYD and President of BYD Americas.

Founded in 2011 as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz,Denza became fully owned by BYD in September 2024 after Mercedes-Benz exited the partnership. The brand has since been repositioned to compete in the premium segment.

The Denza Z9 GT, the brand’s flagship model, debuted at Brera Design Week in Milan. Designed by Wolfgang Egger, former chief designer for Audi and Lamborghini, the Z9 GT features a sleek brake body design measuring 5.18 m in length, 1.99 m in width, and 1.55 m in height, with a 3.125 m wheelbase. It directly targets competitors like the BMW i5, Zeekr 001, and Mercedes-Benz EQE.

Available in both PHEV and EV versions, the Z9 GT offers impressive performance:

• PHEV: A 2.0L turbocharged engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 858 hp and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds.

• EV: Over 900 hp powered by a 100.5 kWh battery, achieving 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds.

Luxury features include a 17.3-inch infotainment screen, 13.2-inch displays for the instrument cluster and front passenger, ventilated and massaging seats, an integrated refrigerator, and semi-autonomous Level 2 driver assistance systems.

Denza plans to target high-demand regions in Mexico, opening exclusive retail spaces in Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City. The strategy emphasizes personalized service to solidify its premium positioning.

“Denza is not entering Mexico to sell volume immediately,” said a BYD spokesperson. “Our focus is to position ourselves as an aspirational brand distinct from other Chinese automotive brands.”