$41K Tesla Roadster Rival? BYD’s Denza Z Revealed

Chinese electric vehicle powerhouse BYD is not slowing down after surpassing Tesla in sales. Their latest move? Challenging Porsche with a striking new electric sports coupe under the Denza brand. This concept car, simply called the Denza Z, just made its debut at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show. It might be labeled a concept, but judging by its refined design, this is more like a finished product than a prototype.

Denza, BYD’s premium sub-brand, is expected to funnel much of the Z’s technology into future models. That makes this coupe more than just a halo car—it is a preview of what is coming for the entire Denza range. With its muscular stance, aerodynamic profile, and aggressive front lip spoiler, the Z does not hide its performance intent. Sharp LED headlights, frameless windows, and hidden door handles give it a futuristic edge. The resemblance to the elusive Tesla Roadster is noticeable, but this design leans more toward track-readiness. Denza also plans to release a convertible version alongside this hardtop.

Beyond the sleek bodywork, the Denza Z brings innovation where it matters most. It features a steer-by-wire system, similar to what Tesla uses in the Cybertruck, powered by advanced artificial intelligence algorithms. The foldable steering wheel adds an extra safety dimension, allowing more space to absorb impact in case of a crash.

The real performance tech comes from the Disus-M active suspension system. This setup can adapt in less than 10 milliseconds, making the Z incredibly agile around corners at high speeds. This tech will not be exclusive to the Z either—it is expected to spread across Denza and BYD’s future high-performance vehicles.

While official specifications and pricing have not been revealed, estimates suggest the Denza Z could start at 300,000 yuan, which is just over 41,000 United States dollars. That is less than half the price of a Porsche 718 Cayman Style Edition in China, which starts at 650,000 yuan or about 89,000 United States dollars.