BYD‘s premium brand Denza is about to unveil its new N8L model, with an official launch expected next year.
The large six-seat N8L SUV (sport utility vehicle) will be unveiled soon, Denza’s newly appointed general manager of sales Li Hui said today on Weibo.
The N8L is tailored for family users, with every detail refined around family travel, Li said.
The model will meet family vehicle needs in terms of space, comfort, safety, and handling, he said.
In late July, local media outlet Yiche reported that Denza would officially launch the N8L in the second quarter of next year, targeting the luxury SUV market alongside the Denza N9.
The N8L is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with dimensions of 5,200 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width, and 1,820/1,990 mm in height, featuring a wheelbase of 3,075 mm, according to a May regulatory filing.
The N8L can be viewed as a slightly scaled-down version of the Denza N9 flagship SUV launched in March. The N9 measures 5,258 mm in length, 2,030 mm in width, and 1,830 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,125 mm.
The Denza N8L incorporates BYD’s e3 technology, which is a scaled-down version of BYD’s e4 technology designed for ultra-luxury vehicles. It enables tri-motor independent drive and rear-wheel steering functionality.
The front motor of the Denza N8L delivers a peak power of 200 kW, while both rear motors provide a peak power of 180 kW each. Its engine displacement is 1,995 ml, with an output of 152 kW.
Denza had launched another model called the N8 in August 2023, but the hybrid SUV has later been discontinued. The N8L’s exterior design differs significantly from the N8.
Li previously served as general manager of the direct sales division for BYD’s other sub-brand, Fang Cheng Bao. In July, he swapped roles with Zhao Changjiang, the former general manager of Denza’s sales division.
Denza brand sales reached 11,993 units in August, marking a 20.06 percent year-on-year increase and a 5.43 percent rise from July, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.
August sales comprised 8,712 units of the D9 MPV, 1,102 units of the Z9 series, 2,021 units of the N9, and 158 units of the N7.
In another news
In a move that signals the end of one of the most successful long-term bets in Warren Buffett’s investment playbook, Berkshire Hathaway has officially exited its stake in Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD Co. Ltd. The conglomerate, which once held over 225 million shares in the Shenzhen-based automaker, reported owning zero shares in its latest Q1 filing, a disclosure later corroborated by a company spokesperson. The complete divestment comes nearly 17 years after Berkshire’s former Vice Chairman Charlie Munger championed the investment, famously calling BYD a “miracle” at the time.
The selloff closes a chapter that began in 2009, when Berkshire purchased a 9.9% stake in BYD for about $230 million. That investment would go on to become one of Berkshire’s most profitable, with BYD’s rapid ascent in the EV industry multiplying the value of the shares many times over. Even as Berkshire steadily trimmed its position in recent years, the holding remained a symbol of the company’s foresight in betting on China’s electric mobility revolution well before it became mainstream.
BYD’s Domestic Struggles Weigh on Investor Confidence
Berkshire’s exit coincides with a turbulent stretch for BYD in its home market. The automaker recently slashed its 2025 sales target by 16%, cutting its forecast to 4.6 million units from the earlier 5.5 million units. The downward revision highlights softening demand and intensifying competition in China’s crowded EV sector. BYD also disclosed a 30% drop in domestic profit during its Q2 earnings call, underscoring the headwinds from ongoing price wars and slowing consumer sentiment.
The announcement adds to investor concerns over BYD’s near-term profitability. The company has led aggressive discounting campaigns to defend its market share against rivals including Tesla, Nio, and Geely. While these cuts have helped sustain sales momentum, they have also compressed margins at a time when raw material costs remain elevated.
“BYD’s domestic story has shifted from hypergrowth to a margin squeeze,” said Chris Ng, an auto analyst at Nomura in Hong Kong. “The price war in China’s EV sector has eroded profitability for all players, and BYD is no exception. Berkshire’s exit underscores a recognition of these cyclical challenges, even if BYD remains fundamentally strong over the long term.”
A Bright Spot in Europe
Despite its challenges in China, BYD has found more fertile ground abroad, particularly in Europe. Sales in the region surged 225% in July compared with a year earlier, according to industry data, with the company delivering over 13,503 units in a single month. This came as Tesla, long the dominant EV brand in Europe, saw its sales decline 40.2% in the same period.
BYD’s European strategy has been anchored on affordability, offering well-equipped models such as the Atto 3, Dolphin, and Seal at prices undercutting Tesla’s equivalents. Coupled with aggressive dealership expansion and localized marketing, the brand has positioned itself as a credible challenger in one of the world’s most competitive EV markets.
“Europe has emerged as BYD’s growth engine,” said Clara Weber, an auto sector researcher based in Frankfurt. “While its margins are thinner in China, the company has found pricing power and brand momentum in Europe, where customers are increasingly open to Chinese EVs. The contrast in performance across markets explains why BYD’s story is still complex despite Berkshire’s departure.”
Battery Dominance Bolsters Long-Term Prospects
Beyond vehicle sales, BYD has fortified its role as one of the world’s leading battery producers. A report by South Korean research firm SNE Research found that the company accounted for 17.8% of global battery installations, delivering 105 GWh in the past year. This solidifies BYD’s position as the second-largest EV battery maker globally, behind only CATL, and reflects the growing appeal of its proprietary Blade Battery technology.
The dual identity as both an automaker and a battery supplier gives BYD a strategic advantage. With EV adoption continuing to accelerate worldwide, the demand for high-performance, cost-effective batteries is projected to rise sharply. BYD’s ability to monetize this demand could offset some of the near-term turbulence in its automotive segment.
Renewed Interest in India
Looking ahead, BYD is also eyeing a renewed push into India, a market it has struggled to penetrate in the past. Easing diplomatic tensions between Beijing and New Delhi have opened the door for the automaker to reintroduce its models in the fast-growing South Asian economy. Industry observers see this as a critical test for BYD, given India’s aspirations to become a major EV hub by 2030.
Tesla, which also entered India recently, has already garnered 600 orders for its Model Y, currently the only model it offers in the country. While that number is modest relative to India’s vast automotive market, it signals early consumer interest in premium EVs. BYD’s broader product lineup, particularly in affordable segments, could give it an edge as infrastructure and consumer adoption improve.
A Changing of the Guard
For Berkshire, the exit from BYD reflects a shift in investment priorities following the death of Charlie Munger in late 2023 and amid Warren Buffett’s gradual step back from day-to-day decision-making. While Buffett praised BYD and its founder Wang Chuanfu for their execution over the years, Berkshire’s steady divestment since 2022 suggested a calculated move to lock in gains and redeploy capital.
“It’s not a reflection of BYD’s long-term viability, but rather of Berkshire’s discipline as an investor,” said Michael O’Donnell, a portfolio manager at Greenlight Capital. “BYD has grown into a global powerhouse, but Berkshire is in the business of realizing returns. Seventeen years is a long time to hold a stock, and few investments have paid off as handsomely as BYD.”
Metals Momentum: Gold and Silver in Focus
Meanwhile, as the auto industry navigates cycles of demand and disruption, another market is flashing signals of opportunity. Precious metals, particularly silver and gold, have seen a wave of volatility that traders are exploiting for outsized returns. Both commodities have rallied sharply in recent months, with swings creating risk but also the potential for significant profit.
Trading veteran Matt Maley is set to host a live session on Wednesday, September 24 at 6 PM ET, where he will break down strategies for navigating the metals market. With investors seeking havens amid global uncertainty and inflationary pressures, gold and silver remain focal points for portfolio diversification.
The Road Ahead
For BYD, the next chapter is likely to be defined by geographic diversification, technological leadership, and its ability to balance growth with profitability. Berkshire’s exit may cast a shadow, but it does little to alter the fundamentals of a company that has transformed from a little-known battery maker into the world’s leading EV brand.
As Wang Chuanfu, BYD’s founder, once said, “We are not just building cars, we are building the future of mobility.” Whether that future plays out more favorably in Europe, India, or its domestic market remains the defining question for investors.