Denza, BYD's premium brand, has filed for regulatory approval of an all-electric N8 SUV, resurrecting a model name that was shelved less than a year after its 2023 debut. The filing on July 10, 2026, includes three all-electric variants, marking an attempt to redeem the N8 badge following the commercial failure of its plug-in hybrid predecessor. The original N8 PHEV launched in August 2023 at 319,800 yuan (~$47,190) but sold fewer than 500 units monthly apart from September 2023, leading to its discontinuation—a rare occurrence in China's competitive EV market. The new fully electric N8 will feature BYD's second-generation Blade Battery and flash charging technology, with an official launch anticipated within 2026.
Key Highlights
🎯 Dimensions and Design: 5,150 mm long, 1,999 mm wide, 1,820 mm tall with a 3,075 mm wheelbase. Five-seat configuration with exterior styling largely derived from the N8L (50 mm shorter) launched by Denza in October 2025.
🏁 Powertrains and Performance: Rear single-motor version available with 320 kW and 370 kW peak power options. Tri-motor all-wheel-drive variant built on Denza's e3 platform: front motor 270 kW, dual rear motors 310 kW each, combined system output up to 890 kW (1,194 hp). Top speed 240 km/h.
🔋 Battery and Charging: Second-generation Blade Battery with flash charging technology enabling 5-minute quick charge and 9-minute full charge. Even at -30°C, charging time increases by only 3 minutes.
📅 Launch Timeline: Official launch expected within 2026.
📊 Market Context: The original PHEV N8 exceeded 1,000 units only in September 2023 before declining below 500 monthly, resulting in discontinuation. Denza relaunched the nameplate as the N8L in October 2025 starting at 319,800 yuan, selling 4,002 units in June 2026—becoming the brand's third-largest sales pillar after the D9 MPV and Z9 series.
