The future arrives at Goodwood: BYD Group unveils eight new models across three brands
- From world firsts to UK launches, the BYD Group stand will present eight car debuts at one of the greatest shows on the automotive calendar
- The headline act - DENZA Z sports car in both Coupe and Racing forms - will make their global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
- Premium brand DENZA and luxury brand YANGWANG will each offer European show debuts for the BAO 5 SUV and U9 Xtreme and U7 respectively
- BYD will be debuting two of its latest UK-bound models at the event: the DOLPHIN G DM-i supermini and the SHARK pick-up
- The three-level BYD Group structure - on a 2,016-square metre plot – is set to be the largest in the history of the event
BYD Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles (plug-in hybrid and fully electric), will bring no less than eight new car debuts to the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026 – from global reveals to UK releases.
Taking centre stage at the event will be premium brand DENZA, with the Festival of Speed not only becoming the reveal platform for two cars globally and one on a European level, but also marking the brand’s official launch in the UK.
The event is no less important for BYD, with one of the smallest models on the stand also among the most significant for UK buyers. The DOLPHIN G DM-i will break into the supermini segment with its DM-i plug-in hybrid technology – unique in the segment – plus class-leading practicality and technology.
YANGWANG will also make its mark on this year’s Festival of Speed, with the U9 Xtreme – the world’s fastest production car – presented on UK soil for the first time. It will be joined by the awe-inspiring U8L, a four-seater luxury SUV which can also swim, plus the U7 executive saloon.
BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li said: “This is more than a product showcase. It is a statement of intent. With eight premieres across three distinct brands, BYD Group is demonstrating how innovation, performance, premium design and sustainability can coexist within one of the most comprehensive automotive portfolios in the world.”
GROUNDBREAKING Z SUPERCAR TO SPEARHEAD MULTIPLE LAUNCHES FOR THE DENZA BRAND
The Festival of Speed will host the world debuts of the DENZA Z Coupe and DENZA Z Racing. The pair of striking, all-electric coupes offer the latest two interpretations of the “Pure Emotion” design philosophy, first demonstrated by the DENZA Z Spider at Auto China 2026 in Beijing in April of this year.
The Coupe shares its powertrain with the Spider; the three-motor powertrain enables a 217mph top speed. Yet this performance hasn’t come at the expense of everyday usability, thanks a two-plus-two seating arrangement and a large boot.
The Racing model takes an even more extreme approach, most notably though its dramatic carbon fibre aerodynamic package.
From supercars to SUVs, DENZA is set to introduce a diverse line-up of models. Making its first European appearance, the BAO5 is set to challenge established players in the premium SUV segment. Using DM-o (Dual-Mode Off-Road) technology, the rugged addition combines three electric motors with a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine to deliver EV refinement, responsiveness and control – whether on or off-road – with petrol flexibility.
The extent of DENZA’s premium offering goes beyond the Z and the BAO5, however, as the event will mark DENZA’s official launch in the UK. The Z9GT will be the first model to arrive on UK shores, but it will be joined in quick succession by the D9 DM-i.
The high-tech, first-class lounge on wheels offers occupants an opulent experience, featuring massaging middle-row seats that recline up to 152 degrees, plus heating and ventilation in all seven seats, and even a generous luggage capacity of at least 430 litres with a full complement of passengers. The DM-i powertrain delivers up to 130 miles of WLTP pure-electric range and strong performance thanks to its dual motor layout with 353PS.
BYD LAUNCHES TWO KEY MODELS FOR THE UK MARKET
Following on from the global debut of the DOLPHIN G DM-i in Berlin on 10th June, it makes its way to UK shores for the first time. The only supermini on the market with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, it will offer British buyers a total driving range of 646 miles, class-leading performance and boot space which exceeds that of many larger family hatchbacks.
Ultimate versatility, however, comes from the pick-up segment, and the Festival of Speed guests will be presented with BYD’s challenger for the class for the first time. The SHARK will make its European debut over the weekend, complete with a 435PS Dual Mode off-road (DM-o) plug-in hybrid powertrain. This can propel the SHARK from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, offers an electric-only range of 55 miles, and delivers a towing capacity of 2,500kg.
YANGWANG U9 XTREME: THE WORLD’S FASTEST CAR COMES TO GOODWOOD
YANGWANG, the luxury brand of BYD, will also offer a key launch at the Festival of Speed. While the U9 Xtreme has laid its tyres on European soil twice before — first to set a searing 6:59.157 lap time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, a production EV record, and second to set an official production-car top-speed record of 308.4mph — its appearance at the event will confirm its availability to European buyers.
YANGWANG will also be represented by the U7 luxury saloon. Available with both plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains, the U7 is equipped with e⁴ four-motor powertrain layout, four-wheel steering and DiSus-Z active suspension.
ENTERTAINMENT GALORE: THE BYD STAND OFFERS FAR MORE THAN JUST CARS
Beyond the cars, the BYD Group stand — the largest in Goodwood Festival of Speed history — will offer festival-goers a range of attractions and activations. Among these are a dedicated Tech Zone, an off-roading display area, robots, driving simulators, a merchandise store and a roof terrace offering exclusive hospitality.
Dirk Steyvers
