Denza, BYD’s most technological and exclusive brand, is making its debut in 30 European markets with the Z9GT, a huge shooting-brake sports car with fascinating capabilities.
Pedro Martín (Grupo Vocento / Spain)
BYD entered the European market with a focus on fully electric vehicles and has quickly expanded its range, both in terms of model count and powertrain technologies. In addition to battery electric vehicles, the company has launched a growing number of plug in hybrids and plans to introduce many more in the near future. From the beginning of its European strategy, BYD also announced the creation of new brands—an ambition it has fulfilled. Today, the Chinese group is the world’s leading seller of plug in vehicles overall and of electric cars specifically.
Before the end of the year, BYD will launch the Denza brand in 30 European countries. Denza’s market entry will be led by two distinctly premium models. The first is the D9 DM-i, a spacious and comfortable family MPV powered by a robust plug in hybrid system, with prices starting at 78.500 €. The second is the Z9GT, a sporty shooting brake style sedan priced from 101.000 €. The Z9GT will be offered with either a DM-i (Dual Mode) plug in hybrid powertrain or a fully electric drivetrain, with additional variants planned in the future.
Starts at 101.000 euros
The Z9GT stands out as one of the most revolutionary cars currently on the market. It challenges the perception that Chinese brands merely offer more equipment for less money, instead surpassing what many traditional manufacturers deliver at any price point. No established premium brand currently offers a single model that combines such a wide array of advanced, forward looking technologies.
Against this backdrop, the Z9GT’s pricing—101.000 € for the hybrid and 115.000 € for the electric version—appears competitive, especially considering that ceramic brakes are included as standard. The main challenge will be persuading customers to spend this amount on a newly introduced brand, despite Denza’s origins as a 2010 joint venture between BYD and Daimler and its clear intention to rival Audi, Porsche, Lexus, Mercedes Benz, and BMW.
Measuring 5,20 meters in length, the Z9GT is even larger than a Porsche Panamera, offering generous interior space, a 495 liter trunk, and an additional front trunk in the electric version with 53 liter more. Build quality is outstanding, with premium materials, flawless execution, and an intensely high-tech atmosphere.
Highlights include a 17.3 inch central touchscreen, two 13.2 inch displays for the passenger and instrument cluster, an augmented-reality head-up display equivalent to a 50 inch virtual screen, and a 20 speaker Devialet audio system.
Big power
Performance is equally impressive. The fully electric Z9GT delivers 1.156 hp, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds, and offers up to 600 km of WLTP range. The 122.5 kWh Blade Battery enables a WLTP range of 600 km, but what truly stands out is BYD’s Flash Charging technology. With DC charging power of up to 1,500 kW, the Z9GT EV can recharge from 10% to 70% in five minutes, and from 10% to 97% in nine minutes—even in extreme cold with minimal penalty.
The Z9GT’s dynamic abilities match its drivetrain innovation. Its DiSus adaptive suspension, independent rear-wheel steering, and e3 platform enable extraordinary maneuverability—including crab-walking sideways and rotating up to 180 degrees on the spot. These functions are impressive for tight spaces, though best reserved for occasional use to avoid tire wear. Even without them, conventional maneuvering and automated parking are exceptionally easy.
The Z9GT underlines Denza’s ambitions as it enters major European markets and works toward establishing at least 150 dealerships across the region. The new Z9GT is already on sale and will arrive at dealerships before the end of September.