Daniel Craig is back behind the wheel of an eye-catching car, but this time it isn't an Aston Martin. The actor, who played James Bond in five films, has become the global face of DENZA, BYD's premium electric brand.

In the new advertisement, Craig drives through foggy British roads in a DENZA Z9GT. A black Labrador sits beside him, and the scene is filled with calm luxury, subtle hints of change, and the trademark cool tone of the former 007. At the end, he mutters “Yeah…” and adds with an almost Bond-like wink, suggesting they keep it between themselves.

The spot worked exactly as BYD intended. The Chinese shooting brake is being talked about not only for its specs—the Z9GT develops 870 hp and targets Porsche, Aston Martin, and other high-end European brands—but also because it now has a face. That face belongs to someone millions still associate with British automotive mythology.

This is where the controversy comes in. For Bond fans, it stings: a character tied to Britain, MI6, and Aston Martin for decades is now helping a Chinese brand push into Europe. Amid ongoing debates about Chinese EVs, tariffs, data security, and battery supply chains, the ad has become more than just a pretty piece of film—it's politically charged.

Of course, Craig isn't actually James Bond. He's an actor, and DENZA is paying for an image of confidence, precision, and cool style. But BYD chose him deliberately: an ambassador like this instantly elevates a Chinese EV from “just another electric car” to a status symbol.

That's the campaign's real strength. The DENZA Z9GT may be fast, expensive, and tech-heavy, but without this British actor, it would have generated far less buzz. Now the conversation isn't just about the car—it's about who owns automotive luxury today: old Europe or new Chinese players. Bond would probably just floor it and ignore the question.