BYD’s premium sub-brand Denza has previewed the new Z9 GT, and it’s making a bold statement: up to 1,036 km (644 miles) of CLTC range on a single charge.
If confirmed, that would position the Denza Z9 GT among the longest-range production EVs globally — and a significant leap forward for BYD’s luxury ambitions.
According to Denza, the all-new Z9 GT electric shooting brake can achieve up to 1,036 km under China’s CLTC testing cycle. That’s a dramatic 64% improvement over the current Z9 GT EV, which offers up to 630 km CLTC.
Recent regulatory filings in China reveal that the Z9 GT EV will be offered with two battery options:
– 102.3 kWh battery – up to 820 km CLTC
– 122.5 kWh battery – up to 1,036 km CLTC
Interestingly, the standard Z9 sedan — using the same battery packs — is listed with up to 1,068 km CLTC range, potentially making it the true range leader. However, Denza has yet to officially confirm that figure.
While CLTC figures tend to be optimistic compared to WLTP or EPA standards, a 1,000+ km rated range remains a major milestone. If Denza can deliver competitive real-world efficiency, the Z9 GT could become one of the most compelling long-range electric luxury cars on the market.
EV and PHEV Options Continue
The new Z9 GT will remain available as both a fully electric model and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
The updated PHEV variant features a sizeable 63.82 kWh battery pack, delivering over 400 km of all-electric CLTC range — nearly double the 201 km offered by the outgoing model. That’s unusually high for a plug-in hybrid and blurs the line between PHEV and full EV capability.
The Denza Z9 GT adopts a sleek shooting brake silhouette, combining performance styling with practicality. Its dimensions are substantial:
– Length: 5,195 mm
– Width: 1,990 mm
– Height: 1,480 mm
– Wheelbase: 3,125 mm
That places it roughly in the same segment as the Porsche Panamera.
Inside, the Z9 GT offers a high-tech cabin dominated by a 17.3-inch central touchscreen and dual 12.3-inch displays for driver and front passenger.
The layout reinforces Denza’s push into the premium luxury EV segment.
God’s Eye 5.0 Advanced Driver Assistance
The Z9 GT also debuts BYD’s next-generation driver assistance platform, branded God’s Eye 5.0.
Key features include:
– Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) for assisted driving in city traffic and on highways
– Automatic Emergency Steering (AES), which can intervene with steering inputs if braking alone is insufficient to avoid a collision
These features signal BYD’s intent to compete not only on range and performance, but also on advanced safety and semi-autonomous capabilities.
Denza: From Joint Venture to BYD Luxury Flagship
Founded in 2011 as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz, Denza originally combined BYD’s battery expertise with Mercedes-Benz’s premium engineering know-how.
In 2022, BYD increased its stake to 90%, effectively bringing Denza fully under its strategic direction, with Mercedes-Benz retaining a 10% minority share. Since then, the brand has been repositioned as BYD’s dedicated luxury EV arm — and the Z9 GT is its most ambitious statement yet.
More details, including international availability and pricing, are expected soon.
[source: CnEVPost]
