The BYD (BYDDY) Denza Z9 GT, a luxury wagon with both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric (BEV) options, has officially launched in China. Priced between 334,800 – 414,800 yuan ($47,450 – $58,800 USD), this high-performance beast is ready to make waves, not just locally, but globally, as it’s set to arrive in Europe soon.
With its bold design, powerhouse performance, and a price that undercuts its European rivals, the Z9 GT is a serious player in the premium electric vehicle market.
A Design That Demands Attention
Designed by Audi’s ex-head of design, Wolfgang Egger, the Denza Z9 GT channels the sleek, aggressive vibes of a Porsche Panamera. It’s a large vehicle, measuring up at 5180 mm in length (or 5195 mm for the PHEV variant), making it longer than the Panamera, with a design that balances luxury and performance.
Available in silver, white, gray, and black, it rolls on 21-inch wheels and features a turning rear axle, giving it added maneuverability for such a large wagon.
Inside, the Z9 GT feels more like a private jet than a family car. It has a five-seat configuration with an ultra-modern cabin. Expect luxury touches like a suspended center screen, a crystal gear shifter, and even two refrigerators (yes, two)—a 4-liter one in the front and a larger 10-liter unit in the rear.
If that wasn’t enough, the passenger seat features a zero-gravity mode with leg support, while the back seat gets electrically adjustable seats and options for either “Dark Night + Prague Red” or “Silver Purple Mist + Pearl Gray” interiors. To top it off, a 26-speaker Devialet sound system makes sure you’re enveloped in premium sound, whether you’re cruising the highway or stuck in city traffic.
Under the Hood: Power and Speed to Rival the Best
The Denza Z9 GT isn’t just about looks; it’s packing serious power. The PHEV version comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with three electric motors, delivering a combined output of 640 kW (858 hp).
This allows the PHEV to launch from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, with a total range of 1,100 km when factoring in both fuel and electric power. The PHEV’s electric-only range sits at 201 km, courtesy of a 38.5 kWh battery.
Meanwhile, the fully electric BEV variant is a true powerhouse, with a total output of 710 kW (952 hp) from its three electric motors. It’s even faster, going from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and offering a range of 630 km on a full charge with its 100.1 kWh battery.
Both versions are equipped with a top-notch e-Platform 3.0 Evo for the BEV and 5th-gen DM system for the PHEV, ensuring that the Denza Z9 GT delivers performance that can go toe-to-toe with luxury brands like Porsche (PAH3.DE) and Mercedes (MBG.DE).
Trim Levels and Pricing
Denza offers several trim levels for the Z9 GT PHEV: Pro, Max, and Ultra. Each tier unlocks different levels of luxury and tech. The Pro starts at 334,800 yuan ($47,500 USD), offering all the essentials but without air suspension or the more advanced interior features.
The Max trim, at 364,800 yuan ($51,700 USD), adds extras like air suspension, head-up display (HUD), and massage functions for rear passengers. The Ultra, priced at 414,800 yuan ($58,800 USD), elevates things further with Nappa leather seats, powered doors, and 16 surround-view cameras instead of mirrors.
There’s also a Limited First Edition (LFE), capped at 2,010 units, available in Max and Ultra trims. These versions pack even more exclusivity with side-view cameras, premium materials, and the highest tech available in the lineup.
For those interested in the BEV version, the two available trims are Pro and Max, which closely mirror the PHEV’s equipment and features. The BEV Pro is priced at 354,800 yuan ($50,300 USD), while the Max comes in at 384,800 yuan ($54,550 USD).
Ready to Conquer Europe
BYD’s Denza Z9 GT isn’t just for China—this impressive wagon will soon head to Europe, where it will take on the likes of BMW (BMW.DE), Mercedes, and Audi.
It’s entering a competitive market, but with its combination of jaw-dropping performance, cutting-edge tech, and a price point that severely undercuts its European rivals, the Z9 GT is poised to make a serious impact. European buyers looking for luxury without the six-figure price tag might find the Z9 GT hard to resist.
Charge Complete
The Denza Z9 GT is more than just a high-performance vehicle—it’s a statement. With its powerful hybrid and electric engines, luxury-packed interior, and a price that undercuts its competitors, this is a game-changer in the luxury wagon market.
Whether it’s carving up roads in China or making its way to Europe, the Z9 GT is proof that BYD’s Denza brand is ready to challenge the big names in the global automotive industry.
