By James Stinson
Chinese car giant BYD is making an ambitious move into the premium end of the market with the launch of its new Denza brand in the UK, spearheaded by the striking Z9 GT.
Available as either a fully electric model or a plug-in hybrid, the large shooting brake blends supercar-rivalling performance with limousine-style luxury and an impressive list of standard equipment. However, it will be entering one of the most competitive and demanding corners of the market, where established names such as Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi continue to carry significant prestige.
Supercar performance
The headline figures are certainly attention-grabbing.
The all-electric Z9 GT EV uses a three-motor powertrain, with one motor at the front and two at the rear, producing a combined 1,140bhp and 1,210Nm of torque. That enables a blistering 0-62mph time of just 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 167mph.
Buyers wanting the reassurance of petrol power will be able to opt for the Z9 GT DM plug-in hybrid when it joins the range later. Combining three electric motors with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, it develops 765bhp and 1,035Nm of torque. Performance remains suitably rapid, with 0-62mph taking 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 161mph.
Impressive range and charging
Range looks competitive regardless of which version buyers choose.
The fully electric model features a substantial 122kWh battery capable of delivering up to 373 miles on a charge, putting it firmly in contention with premium EV rivals.
Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid offers up to 126 miles of pure-electric driving before the petrol engine is called into action. With a full battery and fuel tank, Denza claims a total driving range of up to 500 miles.
Perhaps even more significant is the introduction of the brand’s FLASH Charging technology. The system supports charging speeds of up to 1,500kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10 to 70 per cent in around five minutes and from 10 to 97 per cent in nine minutes under optimum conditions.
Technology-packed luxury
The Z9 GT is built on Denza’s new e³ platform and introduces several unusual technologies.
These include a tyre blowout mitigation system capable of helping the car maintain stability at speeds of up to 112mph, rear-wheel steering, crab-walking functionality and the ability to perform a 360-degree compass turn. A sophisticated parking system can even manoeuvre the car into spaces remotely using a smartphone app.
Inside, Denza has clearly focused on luxury. Even the entry-level car comes generously equipped with Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, heated, ventilated and massage seats, a four-litre heated and cooled refrigerator and a bespoke 20-speaker Devialet audio system producing 1,150W of power.
Taking on the established players
The Z9 GT’s combination of performance, technology and standard equipment gives it plenty of showroom appeal. On paper, it offers more power and more equipment than many rivals for similar money.
The challenge for Denza will be convincing premium buyers to step away from established alternatives such as the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo, BMW i5 Touring, Mercedes-Benz EQE and Audi A6 e-tron, all of which benefit from strong brand recognition and well-established dealer networks.
Pricing starts at £95,000 for the Z9 GT DM plug-in hybrid and £105,000 for the fully electric Z9 GT EV. Those figures place it firmly in the premium segment, but Denza is betting that its combination of luxury, technology and outright performance will be enough to tempt buyers looking for something different.
