BYD’s 1,500+ hp EV supercar is cheaper and faster than a Porsche 911 Turbo S [Images]

BYD launched the new Denza Z at the Goodwood FOS this weekend. While the electric supercar costs nearly $200,000, it’s still cheaper —and faster — than a Porsche 911 Turbo S.

Meet the Denza Z electric supercar

The Denza Z “marks a watershed moment for the global auto industry,” BYD said after introducing the electric supercar at the Beijing Auto Show in April.

BYD’s sub-brand, Denza, is preparing to go head-to-head with Europe’s top luxury automakers like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

The Denza Z arrives as “the world’s first intelligent supercar,” according to BYD, delivering “shattering high performance,” 5-minute Flash Charging, and its latest breakthrough technology.

BYD announced that the electric supercar will be available in three variations: Coupe, Spider, and Racing.

As the first vehicle based on BYD’s e3 platform, all Denza Z models are equipped with three electric motors, one in the front and two at the rear, delivering a combined 1,582 hp (1,604 PS).

When equipped with the optional semi-slick tires, the Racing variant can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in as little as 1.96 seconds with a top speed of 217 mph.

The Denza Z Coupe (shown above in Monte Carlo Orange) can hit 0 to 62 mph in 2.25 seconds, while the Spider variant takes about 2.3 seconds.

BYD’s e3 platform is the first in China to feature a fully in-house-developed steer-by-wire system, improving handling, control, and efficiency.

All Denza Z variants are powered by a 76 kWh BYD Blade Battery 2.0 battery. The Coupe has a WLTP range of 410 km (254 miles), while the Spider (shown above) and Racing variants (shown below) have WLTP ranges of 400 km (248 miles) and 380 km (236 miles), respectively.

The electric sports car also features BYD’s Disus-M magnetorheological intelligent suspension system, enabling it to absorb or jump over bumps, or even “dance.”

Based on an 800V architecture with BYD’s Flash Charging system, the Denza Z can recharge from 10% to 70% in as little as five minutes.

Measuring 4,780 mm in length, 1,990 mm in width, and 1,350 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,780 mm, the Denza Z is slightly bigger than the Porsche 911. It’s about the size of the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe.

BYD’s electric supercar is considerably more powerful than both. In comparison, the Porsche 911 Turbo S delivers up to 701 hp, while the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe offers up to 1,153 hp.

Inside, the Denza Z is equipped with BYD’s latest software and technology. The digital cockpit features an 8.8″ driver display and a 12.8″ infotainment screen with Google built in. It also includes a “theater-grade” sound system with 12 speakers in the Coupe and Racing variants, and 10 for the Spider.

Prices for the UK and China

In the UK, prices for the Denza Z Coupe start at £142,900 ($192,000), the Spider at £159,900 ($215,000), and the Racing version at £172,900 ($232,000).

The Denza Z will go on sale in late summer as the first Denza retail stores open. BYD plans to begin customer deliveries by the end of 2026.

While it’s significantly more than the Denza Z9 GT, the Z is still cheaper than the Porsche 911 Turbo S (£199,100).

It’s also faster. The Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupe takes 2.5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h).

BYD opened pre-orders for the Denza Z in China on Monday, starting at just 680,000 RMB ($100,000), or about half the price in the UK.

It’s available in the same three variants, priced from 680,000 RMB ($100,000) for the Coupe Hardtop, 780,000 RMB ($115,000) for the Spider Convertible, and 1.18 million RMB ($175,000) for the Racing Track edition.

Which one would you choose? The Denza Z, or a Porsche 911 Turbo S? Drop your pick in the comments below.