The Denza Z9 GT (see specs) is a high-performance electric wagon developed by BYD under its Denza brand. Designed by Audi veteran Wolfgang Egger, this wagon combines a powerful electric drivetrain with a modern, spacious cabin to compete with other luxury electric vehicles. Its performance, comfort, and practical features make it a strong contender in the electric vehicle market. It is available in both BEV and PHEV variants. Our test car is the Denza Z9 GT EV priced at 384,800 yuan (54,800 USD). Let’s look at how the Denza Z9 GT performs on the road and what it offers.
Exterior Design
The Denza Z9 GT features a sleek, aerodynamic design. Its size—5,180 mm in length, 1,990 mm in width, and 1,480 mm in height—gives it significant road presence, while the elongated body and sloping roofline add to its sporty appearance.
The car rides on 21-inch alloy wheels with staggered 255/40 front and 275/40 rear tires, giving it a balanced stance. The front fascia is clean and minimal, with a modest air intake, signaling its all-electric powertrain. The Z9 GT is available in four body colors: silver, white, gray, and black. Its design is refined and modern, offering an understated yet elegant look.
The Interior
Inside, the Denza Z9 GT offers a spacious and modern five-seat cabin. The interior features include a large floating touchscreen that controls media, climate settings, and navigation. The front passenger can also access a dedicated touchscreen, allowing personalized adjustments.
The driver’s information is displayed on a digital instrument cluster located behind the steering wheel. The center console includes a crystal gear shifter and two wireless charging pads for convenience. The Denza Z9 GT is a five-seater with a spacious interior designed for comfort during long drives. The front seats are electrically adjustable, and the front passenger seat has a zero-gravity mode to increase comfort. In higher trims, the rear seats are also electrically adjustable. The cabin design prioritizes functionality, and the layout makes key features easily accessible.
The Denza Z9 GT has two built-in refrigerators—one in the front and one in the rear. The front refrigerator has a capacity of 4 liters, while the rear offers 10 liters of storage space. This feature is useful for long-distance travel, providing easy access to refreshments during trips.
The Denza Z9 GT also has a Devialet sound system known for delivering high-quality audio. The vehicle includes air suspension, a head-up display, and leg support for rear passengers, electrically powered doors, Nappa leather upholstery.
Practicality and Space
The generous cargo area provides ample room for luggage or other oversized items, making it suitable for family trips or those needing extra space. The flat floor and adjustable rear seats offer flexibility for passengers and cargo, making the vehicle versatile enough for daily use and road trips.
Driving Experience
The Denza Z9 GT delivers a driving experience that balances high performance with everyday usability. Despite its curb weight of 2,875 kg, its tri-motor electric setup, producing 710 kW (952 hp), ensures quick acceleration and responsive power delivery. The vehicle’s 0-100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds makes it feel athletic, even though it’s a large wagon. Whether cruising in the city or accelerating on highways, the Z9 GT provides a smooth and quiet drive, with ample torque available at any moment. The precise throttle response and the vehicle’s substantial power make for a dynamic driving experience without feeling overwhelming.
The rear-wheel steering system enhances handling and improves maneuverability, particularly in urban environments. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels for easier parking and sharper turns. At higher speeds, they align with the front wheels for increased stability, giving the Z9 GT a nimbleness not often found in larger cars, offering better control through corners and more confidence during lane changes.
Additionally, the adaptive air suspension system adjusts in real-time to road conditions, absorbing bumps for a refined, smooth ride. It also adapts based on the selected driving mode, providing a more engaging feel when needed. This power, agility, and comfort combination makes the Z9 GT suitable for spirited and long-distance cruising.
Conclusion
On September 16, it was announced that BYD had fully acquired the Denza brand, making it an independent car company. Founded in 2011 as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes Benz, Denza initially had equal shares and a registered capital of 7.76 billion yuan (around 1 billion USD). Despite Mercedes Benz’s efforts, the Denza X model struggled in the market, leading BYD to increase its ownership to 90% in December 2021, with Mercedes Benz retaining only 10% and stepping back from vehicle development.
The Denza Z9 GT BEV stands out in the luxury electric wagon segment, blending performance, technology, and practicality. It features an electric drivetrain with nearly 1,000 horsepower and a battery, providing an estimated 630 km range, making it suitable for city driving and long journeys. The vehicle’s adaptive suspension system enhances comfort by adjusting to road conditions, ensuring a smooth ride while maintaining agility for spirited driving.
Notable features like built-in refrigerators and a premium audio system enhance the Z9 GT’s appeal. The Denza Z9 GT offers a competitive package in the luxury EV market, showcasing its commitment to performance and practicality as it operates independently.
Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China, where you can read more first-person evaluations of Chinese cars.
