The best spy shots so far of the interior of the BYD-Daimler Denza EV. All dials are digital and in the center console sits a giant TFT touch screen. The Denza EV will debut on the Beijing Auto Show in April and it will be launched on the Chinese auto market in the second half of next year.

Wood in an EV is interesting. Electric cars are called ‘green’ because they don’t damage the environment as much as a petrol powered car. Green cars are good for penguins, plants, and… trees. Building a wooden dash in an electric car seems so incredible wrong, no matter the wood is most likely actually plastic. It is the message that counts.

BYD-Daimler is a joint venture between BYD Automobile and Daimler-Benz, aimed at making affordable electric cars for the Chinese auto market. The full name of the venture is ‘Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology’ (BDNT), it was established in March 2012.

The Denza is their first car, based on the old Benz B-Class with the electric power train of the BYD e6. The Denza debuted as a concept on the 2012 Beijing Auto Show and was back as a prototype on the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.

Denza will initially start with dealers in only three cities: Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, the latter being the home town of BYD-Daimler and BYD. Price for the Denza will start at 300.000 yuan, but green-car subsidies by central and local governments can bring that down by a massive 60.000 yuan to 240.000 yuan. The subsidies are up again in 2014, last year the maximum subsidy was ‘only’ 35.000 yuan.

The electric motor has an output of 115hp. Top speed is 150km/h. Weight is 2090kg. Size: 4644/1852/1642mm, wheelbase is 2880. Range yet unknown.

Build quality more BYD than Benz. Button to open boot shows a picture of a sedan. The Denza is a hatchback. More wood on dash and door.

Steering wheel comes with an alu look and leather.

Two test cars, parked near green trees.

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