Daniel Craig: The New Face of BYD's DENZA Luxury EVs

BYD has enlisted former James Bond actor Daniel Craig to champion the DENZA Z9GT ahead of its European launch in April.

Executive Vice President of BYD, Stella Li, explains: "Daniel Craig represents a powerful combination of strength, sophistication and authenticity. Those qualities resonate deeply with what DENZA stands for."

The move is part of DENZA's strategy to establish itself in the UK market, with the luxury brand planning to begin selling vehicles in Britain in 2026.

In conversation with Auto Express, Li said the Z9GT could be "ten times better than any competition" as the brand positions itself against established European luxury manufacturers including BMW and Mercedes.

Expanding across European markets

BYD plans to feature Daniel Craig across multiple DENZA vehicle launches throughout 2026, with his image appearing in marketing campaigns and television commercials.

The brand attracts fresh customers through this approach, combining European-influenced luxury aesthetics with cutting-edge technological features in its vehicles.

DENZA will unveil the Z9GT on 8 April 2026 in Paris, hosting the launch at the prestigious Palais Garnier opera house.

The collaboration with one of cinema's most recognisable figures aims to signal global credibility for DENZA as it builds momentum towards its inaugural European model release with the flagship Z9GT shooting brake.

"As we bring the brand to the world, across Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, we are proud to welcome an actor whose presence and character reflect the spirit of DENZA," Stella explains.

"Together, we want to show how technology, design and emotion can come together to create a new vision of premium mobility."

Revolutionary charging technology

The European version of the DENZA Z9GT will feature new capabilities including Flash Charging technology, a development unveiled by BYD CEO and Chairman, Wang Chuanfu, at a Chinese event.

Created to make electric vehicle charging as rapid as conventional refuelling, BYD's Flash Charging infrastructure delivers up to 1,500kW of charging capacity – potentially enabling electric vehicles (EVs) to recharge from 10% to 70% in merely five minutes.

Charging from 10% to 97% takes nine minutes, whilst recharging in extreme cold conditions at -30C requires only marginally longer, needing 12 minutes to reach 97% from 20%.

The Z9GT also achieves 1,036 km (644 miles) of range under China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) testing conditions, which BYD suggests makes it "the world's longest pure electric driving range vehicle".

Stella adds: "The introduction of the DENZA Z9 GT in Europe marks a very important milestone for our brand.

"The Z9GT represents the true spirit of DENZA, where advanced technology, beautiful design and emotional driving come together."

Building on UK success

DENZA's arrival in the UK follows a remarkable year for BYD's European expansion.

In 2025, BYD experienced an 880% sales increase in the UK, with 11,271 vehicles sold in September alone.

The UK is BYD's largest market beyond China, with the company pursuing continued expansion as it establishes itself as a global EV leader.

This ambition has driven Wang, who said: "For new-energy cars, we believe we can become the global leader.

"From the technology standpoint, 10 years should be enough. I believe Chinese companies can become leaders in the alternative car business because we make good batteries."