Born for Luxury: Introducing the Denza Z9 GT
The Z9 GT isn’t just a product; it’s a statement from BYD’s premium arm, Denza. Designed by Wolfgang Egger, yes, the same man who penned legendary Audi silhouettes, the car oozes class from every angle. Nearly 5.2 meters long, it stretches like a grand tourer but cuts through the air with the poise of a low-slung sport wagon. The bodywork is tight, crisp, and unmistakably modern, and those full-width taillights? They demand your attention whether the car is cruising through alpine curves or silently waiting outside a five-star hotel.
While the vehicle isn’t yet homologated for European roads and the dealer network is still a promise for 2026, Denza wanted to give a taste of what’s coming. That’s how I ended up threading this Chinese engineering marvel through the serpentine roads of the Brocken. And let me tell you, this thing doesn’t just turn heads. It snaps necks.
Denza Z9 GT Technical Specifications
| Specification | Electric Version | Plug-in Hybrid Version |
| Total Power Output | 710 kW (3 motors) | 640 kW (3 motors + petrol engine) |
| Front Motor | 230 kW | 200 kW |
| Rear Motors | 2 × 240 kW | 2 × 220 kW |
| Petrol Engine | N/A | 152 kW (325 hp) |
| 0–100 km/h | 3.4 seconds | 3.6 seconds |
| Battery Capacity | 100 kWh | Estimated 50–60 kWh (TBC) |
| Electric Range (China standard) | 630 km | ~80–120 km EV-only range |
| Drivetrain | AWD (Tri-Motor) | AWD (Tri-Motor + ICE) |
| Turning Circle | < 9.5 meters | < 9.5 meters |
| Rear Wheel Steering | Yes (up to 10°) | Yes (up to 10°) |
| Noteworthy Features | 3 Displays, 2 Refrigerators, Crabwalk, Auto-Parking, 360° Rotation | Same as electric version |
First Impressions: Smooth, Silent, and Surprising
I took off from a narrow lay-by just outside Schierke, where the road snakes into the forest like a coiled dragon. Tapping the throttle in electric mode, the Z9 GT surged forward with a fluid grace. Not jarring, not noisy, just relentless acceleration. At full kickdown, the hybrid version I was driving pushed me back into its quilted leather throne like a sledgehammer wrapped in silk.
The sensation was less brutal than some German rivals but every bit as exhilarating. There’s a richness to how this car delivers power, like it knows when to be gentle and when to turn wild. At every bend, the adaptive air suspension worked like a charm, soaking up cracks and ripples while keeping the body flat and taut. Even with its size, it danced through corners with unexpected lightness, thanks to its intelligent torque vectoring and superb steering feedback.
The Party Trick: Turning Like a Small Car
Now, let’s talk about the moment that truly blew my mind: the turning radius.
Halfway up the Brocken, I came to a hairpin too tight for any luxury barge. I braked, expecting a multi-point shuffle, but instead, something magical happened. The rear wheels rotated opposite to the fronts, and the whole car pivoted like a ballet dancer in tight jeans. I made the turn with room to spare. It was like driving a compact hatchback.
Then I tested the famous “crabwalk” feature, which allows the car to move diagonally. It’s both ridiculous and ridiculously useful. In tight urban lots or mountain inn garages, this trick will earn you admirers and probably a few Instagram followers.
The pièce de résistance? The Z9’s ability to rotate 360 degrees on the spot. I tried it in a gravel turnout. Press a button, and the front stays put while the rear pivots. The tires screeched slightly, leaving smoky trails, but the spectacle was unforgettable. I wouldn’t recommend doing this often, unless you’re okay with replacing your tires more frequently than your toothbrush.
Inside the Z9 GT: A Lounge with a Jet Cockpit
I opened the heavy, seamless door and stepped into a cabin that’s equal parts science fiction and luxury yacht. The crystal-like gear selector sparkled under ambient lighting, and three massive displays formed a command center across the dash. Every surface felt premium, brushed metals, stitched leathers, and that just-right click of the rotary controls.
The rear seat experience? Oh, don’t get me started. Two mini refrigerators. Electrically reclined thrones. Mood lighting. Vanity mirrors in the headliner. Even the side bolsters inflated automatically during aggressive cornering like a butler straightening your tie mid-race.
I sank into the rear seat after a long run and popped open a chilled bottle of sparkling water. The silence inside was cathedral-like. This wasn’t just a performance car, it was a sanctuary.
Range, Ride, and Real-World Practicality
On paper, the Z9 GT’s 100 kWh battery promises up to 630 kilometers of range, though that’s under China’s testing cycle. On my mixed route, hill climbs, freeway sprints, and town traffic, I saw realistic numbers closer to 480–500 kilometers. Still impressive given the power and size.
The hybrid version, which I tested, offers enough electric-only range for daily commutes, while the combustion engine kicks in seamlessly when needed. Even when I pushed hard, climbing steep grades and descending with regen braking, battery management was smart and efficient.
And yes, the Z9 handles a blown tire at 180 km/h, or so Denza claims. Torque shifts instantly to the good wheels, letting the car limp safely instead of skidding off the autobahn. I didn’t get to test that one personally (thankfully), but just knowing that reassures me.
Conclusion
After spending two full days with the Denza Z9 GT, carving up the forest roads and chilling on scenic overlooks above the Harz, I had my answer: this isn’t just a Porsche alternative. It’s a whole new way of looking at what a luxury sports car can be.
It may not have the brand cachet of Stuttgart’s finest, but in terms of performance, innovation, and sheer wow-factor? It goes toe-to-toe with the Taycan Sport Turismo and even outshines it in areas like comfort and tech. The Z9 GT dares to be different, and that, in a sea of sameness, makes all the difference.
When it finally arrives in Europe in 2026, if Denza can price it right and support it with proper service infrastructure, this could very well be the first Chinese car to shake the ultra-luxury segment to its core.
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