Denza, a Chinese brand that is a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz Group, revealed the exterior design of a new model called N7. The five-seater crossover, which is expected to be available with electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain options, has lower-than-usual ground clearance, and sporty styling cues borrowed from other automakers.
The N7 is the production version of last year’s Inception concept and features an evolution of the same design theme. The LED headlights resemble those found on Lamborghini models, while the windowline and rear shoulders are reminiscent of the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The full-width taillights have a Porsche -inspired design. Nevertheless, the N7 boasts a few unique features, such as bumper-mounted DRLs that merge with complex intakes and an extended chrome trim above the side windows. Other highlights include a large rear wing, five-spoke rims, flush door handles, and a high-tech diffuser that all contribute to the car’s aerodynamic design.
Read: This Is Our First Look At BYD’s Pickup, To Be Offered As An EV And PHEV
The crossover has charging ports on both sides of the bodywork, just like the Denza D9 mininvan which is already on sale in China. We can also see a LiDAR sensor and cameras, hinting at semi-autonomous driving functions, while it is safe to assume that the SUV will come with a fully digital dashboard and plenty of tech features inside the cabin.
We don’t have details on the underpinnings of the N7, it’s believed that it will be available with plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains. The same applies to the D9, which comes in different power outputs ranging between 296-401 hp (221-299 kW / 300 – 407 PS) for the DM-i Hybrid, and between 308- 369 hp (230-275 kW / 313- 374 PS) for the EV. The footprint of the production model will likely be similar to the concept which measured 4.9 m (192.9 inches).
The Denza N7 will launch in China sometime in the coming months, with a larger N8 three-row SUV also expected to arrive later this year. As reported by cnevpost, Zhao Changjiang who is the sales boss of Denza, has previously hinted at a price tag of around ¥400,000 ($57,504) for the SUV. For those not familiar with Denza, the company was founded in 2010 as a joint venture between BYD and Daimler which initially shared a 50-50% ownership stake although since 2021, the ratio has changed to 90%-10%.
