- BYD unveiled two new fully-electric models at the Beijing Auto Show, running until the 5th of May.
- This includes an all-new electric hot hatchback under the BYD marque, called the ‘Ocean-M’, and under its sub-brand Denza, the ‘Z9 GT’: a luxury saloon made in a joint venture with BYD and Mercedes-Benz.
- Both models will launch by the end of the year, though it’s not known yet which territories will receive the models.
Meet the BYD Ocean-M
The Ocean-M might have multiple visual similarities with the current Dolphin hatchback, but underneath, it’ll be based on BYD’s brand new EV platform, and its newest generation of C2B (cell-to-body) batteries. Despite its performance orientation, BYD did not reveal any performance figures for the Ocean-M, but it will sit on a rear-wheel-drive platform, much like the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX and Cupra Born. We can expect BYD to target these models, so we should see power somewhere between the 200-300hp mark.
Going on sale in China in the third quarter of this year, prices will start from 150,000 RMB – equivalent to around $20,700. If the Ocean-M makes its way to other markets, it could give other performance cars some serious competition.
The Denza Z9 GT
Denza is a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz, and the Z9 GT is a blend of luxury and performance. The long, Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo-esque body packs a tri-motor setup with just under 1,000hp. Combining BYD’s battery expertise with Mercedes-Benz’s extensive luxury knowledge should make this EV a recipe for success. There’s no word on pricing just yet, but the Denza brand is also set to head to Europe.
