Denza has thrown down the gauntlet in the premium electric vehicle space with its latest release: the Z9 GT, a sleek D-class sedan with a grand tourer style. Unveiled on September 20, the Z9 GT comes in seven variants, spanning both plug-in hybrid and fully electric models, with two limited-edition versions capped at just 2,010 units. Priced between RMB 334,800–414,800 (USD 46,872–58,072), this launch signals Denza’s ambition to make a serious play in the high-end EV market.
With the Z9 GT, Denza rounds out its lineup, which already includes the D9 (MPV) and N7 (SUV). The brand has now surpassed 250,000 customer orders—a major milestone in its upward trajectory.
The Z9 GT’s design wears its Porsche Panamera inspiration on its sleeve. Crafted by Wolfgang Egger, BYD’s chief designer, it sports a distinctive front grille inspired by a solar corona, hourglass-shaped taillights, and dual rear spoilers. Measuring 5.18 meters long, 1.99 meters wide, and 1.5 meters tall, with a 3.125-meter wheelbase, the Z9 GT cuts an imposing figure on the road.
Zhao Changjiang, Denza’s general manager, has dubbed the Z9 GT the world’s first fully smart electric vehicle, an audacious claim that the car’s tech-heavy features aim to back up. The sedan is equipped with BYD’s BAS 3.0+ “superhuman” driver assistance system, which pulls data from a range of sensors—cameras, LiDAR, millimeter-wave radar, tire pressure monitors, 5G, and satellite signals—feeding this information into the vehicle’s motors and steering mechanisms. Combined with BYD’s DiSus system, the result is smooth, intuitive driving across a variety of scenarios.
The Z9 GT offers comprehensive driving assistance, with features like high-speed and city navigation that don’t require detailed maps, automatic parking, and a valet function. Denza has also announced plans to roll out nationwide navigate-on-autopilot (NOA) capabilities by the end of the year, pushing further into autonomous driving in urban environments.
Built on Denza’s Yisanfang platform, the Z9 GT showcases a range of advanced capabilities, from precision steering and compass-style U-turns to enhanced stability on slippery surfaces and even “crab walk” technology. The platform, developed specifically for Denza by BYD, combines three independent motors with dual rear-motor steering and integrates the battery directly into the body structure (CTB).
Thanks to dual rear-motor steering, which allows for 20-degree bidirectional turns, the Z9 GT has a tight turning radius of just 4.62 meters, giving it impressive agility for a car of its size. A braking distance of 32.6 meters only adds to its dynamic performance and safety credentials.
On icy or rain-slicked roads, the Z9 GT’s stability system steps in to maintain control. Even at speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour, the vehicle can safely decelerate in the event of a tire blowout, preventing a rollover or loss of control.
The interior of the Z9 GT is just as forward-thinking. It debuts BYD’s custom-built BYD9000 chip, which uses 4-nanometer technology and Armv9 architecture. This hardware powers a multimodal artificial intelligence system that underpins the car’s smart cabin experience, complete with ten-screen connectivity and a 32-megapixel central control camera.
Inside, drivers and passengers can enjoy intelligent voice commands, dialect recognition, AI-generated wallpapers, and karaoke capabilities—no microphone needed. These features underscore Denza’s aim to blend advanced technology with a luxurious, connected driving experience.
The Z9 GT isn’t just another new model in Denza’s lineup—it’s a bold statement of the company’s ambitions. Originally founded as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz in 2010, Denza is now fully owned by BYD following Mercedes-Benz’s sale of its shares. This transition from partnership to rivalry is underscored by the Z9 GT, which takes direct aim at Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi in the premium sedan market.
At the launch event, Denza revealed that over 20,000 preorders had already been placed for the Z9 GT. Set to compete with heavyweights like the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 L, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Z9 GT is entering a space where Chinese brands have struggled to gain traction.
Take Huawei and BAIC Motor’s Aito M5 as an example—it managed just 8,000 preorders in its first 20 days. Denza is betting that the Z9 GT will shift that narrative, offering a compelling alternative for premium sedan buyers and tilting the market in favor of China’s homegrown brands.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This article was written by Han Yongchang for 36Kr.