Currently reading: Daimler launches new China-only electric car with BYD
Denza electric car revealed at Beijing motor show, goes on sale in China with 115bhp electric motor

Daimler and Chinese manufacturer BYD have launched a new China-only electric vehicle at the Beijing Motor Show. The car, called the Denza, was developed in a joint venture partnership between the two companies. 

Designed, engineered and produced in China, the car is set to cost around £35,700, or £24,000 after grants from the Chinese government. 

The Denza's electric motor delivers 115bhp and 214lb ft of torque, with a claimed top speed of 93mph and a range of 186 miles. Energy is stored by a 47.5kWh battery pack mounted in the floor of the vehicle.

Daimler and BYD say they have put the Denza through 18 months of rigorous testing, covering nearly 750,000 miles. The car is also the first electric vehicle to be put through new C-NCAP safety tests where it achieved the maximum five star rating. Reports suggest the model sits on the same platform as the previous-generation Mercedes Mercedes-Benz B-Class.

Two trim levels will be offered on the model. Lifestyle trim gets leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and a central infotainment screen, while Executive specification adds an upgraded sound system, adaptive xenon headlights and satellite navigation. Deliveries are expected to begin in China in September.

Mike Vousden 

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disco.stu 25 April 2014

Quite impressive

If it really was "designed, engineered and produced in China" then I think it's a very good result compared to most of the vehicles that are of Chinese origin.

Looks a bit underwheeled from the back, but overall it looks quite tidy, without any of the complex and ugly flame surfacing that afflicts most modern cars. Interior looks surprisingly sophisticated as well.

I hope it does well in China as they desperately need to embrace a cleaner future, for all our sakes.

230SL 24 April 2014

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstati

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTA7hRirMEcOJaNbH1gkQmgcxgCwQc-FnojCQBIBCz_SNYwapErcQ

21st century Renault 16? I don't mind its appearance, tbh.
Sorry about the link have forgotten how to format comments.

kmurna 24 April 2014

Most anonymous M-B ever

It's a heavily restyled A-Class, isn't it? First impression was a bad combination of a Renault Koleos and a Kia Cee'd....