James Bond actor's new ride is a Chinese EV not an Aston Martin
BYD's premium EV brand Denza has signed former James Bond actor Daniel Craig as its global ambassador with the Z9 GT grand tourer set for a high-profile European debut on April 8.
Rob Leigh
Craig will appear alongside several Denza models launching globally in 2026 starting with the Z9 GT's European reveal on April 8 at Paris's Palais Garnier opera house. For a brand trying to announce itself to the world, the venue sets the tone.
Denza is BYD's premium arm and positions itself as the world's first brand dedicated solely to new energy vehicles. The Z9 GT is its flagship, and the specs make a strong case: 710kW, a 100.1 kWh battery, 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and BYD's Flash Charging technology that delivers around 400 km of range in five minutes.
The Craig connection is an obvious nod to his Bond legacy without licensing the character. It's a smart shortcut for a Chinese brand trying to build credibility in Europe fast, where rivals like Aston Martin and Porsche carry decades of heritage. Denza is buying recognition instead.
In Australia, Denza launched the B5 and B8 SUVs in early 2026 and added the D9 people-mover in March. The Z9 GT has no confirmed local timing or pricing yet.
A Denza Z sports car targeting the Porsche 911 and Aston Martin Vantage is also coming with a Goodwood Festival of Speed debut locked in for July 2026. Right-hand-drive production is confirmed, leaving the door open for an Australian launch down the track.
