BYD & Daimler team up to introduce the electric Denza N7

Denza, an automotive sub-brand co-founded by BYD and Daimler AG, has presented a new mid-size electric crossover named the N7. The manufacturer claims it is the first car in the world to feature Devialet audio speakers in the cabin (designed in France). The sales launch and the cabin reveal are expected in summer.

The BYD Denza N7 resembles high-riding hatchbacks more than it does SUVs, but the company styles it a “Crossover Shooting Brake”. It sports a rather unusual exterior with many convex surfaces, but the headlights are recognizable.

The vehicle is 4,860 mm long, 1,935 mm wide and 1,602 mm tall with 2,940 mm between the axles. It looks relatively compact despite being just 100 mm (4 inches) shorter than the Toyota Highlander and having a wheelbase that’s longer by 50 mm (2 inches).

In its most basic form, the N7 uses a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle to drive it with 313 PS (309 hp / 230 kW). A higher spec adds another motor to the front axle and delivers 530 PS (523 hp / 380 kW) to four wheels. It also needs around three seconds for its sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph).

The battery supplier is FinDreams Industry, a company that’s part of BYD Group. The battery cells are integrated into the load-bearing frame of the car by design. The suspension makes use of air-ride components.

Devialet, a brand known for its headphones and home audio systems, supplies a 16-channel audio setup for the N7. Four of these speakers are installed at the ceiling. There are five listening modes plus karaoke, and the subwoofer on board can play back frequencies as low as 20 Hz.

The Denza N7 will be the the marque’s second production car in its innovative lineup after the D9 van.