DENZA, the premium technology-focused automotive brand from the BYD Group, is leading a modern-day journey inspired by one of history’s greatest explorers. The newly launched Marco Polo Drive of Peace will see participants travel approximately 15,000 kilometers (9,300 miles) from Rome to Hong Kong, retracing the spirit of Marco Polo’s legendary route more than 750 years after his historic travels.
The initiative officially began at Rome’s historic Palazzo Orsini Taverna, marking the start of a 43-day expedition designed to promote cultural exchange, sustainability, technological innovation, and electric mobility. DENZA and the BYD Group are supporting the project as Flagship Passenger Vehicle Partner, with the all-new DENZA Z9GT serving as the lead vehicle throughout the journey.
A Modern Silk Road for Sustainable Mobility
The Marco Polo Drive of Peace was conceived by Patrick Zhong, Founding Managing Partner of M31 Capital, and Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development. The project aims to highlight how modern transportation technologies can help connect nations while supporting environmental sustainability.
The route spans multiple countries and cultures, creating opportunities for discussions around economic development, technological progress, and international cooperation. The launch ceremony brought together diplomats, business leaders, cultural representatives, and senior executives from BYD, including Executive Vice President Stella Li.
The event also featured poetry performances by children in several native languages spoken along the route, symbolizing the journey’s focus on cultural understanding and global connection.
DENZA Z9GT: Built for Long-Distance Electric Travel
Leading the expedition is the DENZA Z9GT, a premium shooting brake that combines luxury, performance, and advanced technology. The vehicle serves as a showcase for DENZA’s latest innovations, particularly its groundbreaking FLASH Charging technology.
The Z9GT is available as both a fully electric vehicle and a Super Hybrid DM (Dual Mode) model. Buyers can choose between a pure battery-electric driving experience or enhanced long-distance flexibility without sacrificing performance.
A key highlight is BYD Group’s FLASH Charging system, which dramatically reduces charging times. According to the company, the technology can charge the battery from 10% to 70% in just five minutes and from 10% to 97% in nine minutes. The system is also engineered to maintain performance in extreme temperatures down to -30°C.
To support the growing charging ecosystem, DENZA inaugurated its first FLASH Charging station in Italy at the Barchetti showroom in Bologna, reinforcing the brand’s European expansion strategy.
BYD’s New e3 Platform Powers the Z9GT
Beneath the Z9GT’s sleek exterior is DENZA’s new e3 Platform, developed exclusively for the brand. The platform integrates several advanced technologies designed to improve performance, safety, and maneuverability.
Core innovations include:
– Three-motor independent drive
– Rear-wheel dual-motor independent steering
– Vehicle Motion Control (VMC)
– Cell-to-Body battery integration
– DiSus-A dual-chamber air suspension
The all-electric Z9GT delivers impressive performance figures. Its three-motor powertrain produces a combined 1,156 PS (850 kW), enabling acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 167 mph.
Energy is supplied by a 122.49 kWh second-generation Blade Battery, providing a WLTP driving range of up to 372 miles. Combined with FLASH Charging capability, the setup is designed to make long-distance electric travel more practical than ever.
Advanced Safety and Handling Technologies
The Z9GT’s Vehicle Motion Control system acts as a central command center for steering, suspension, and braking functions. With signal transmission speeds as low as 10 milliseconds, the system continuously monitors vehicle dynamics and responds rapidly to changing road conditions.
One notable capability is its ability to help stabilize the vehicle during a high-speed tire blowout. By instantly adjusting torque distribution and activating assistance systems, the technology is designed to maintain control and reduce vehicle instability.
The Z9GT also introduces an advanced rear-wheel steering system. Independent steering motors for each rear wheel allow greater agility, reduced turning radius, and enhanced stability during cornering and lane changes.
The system supports several unique functions, including crab-walking capability and ultra-tight maneuvering in confined spaces. Despite measuring more than five meters in length, the Z9GT achieves a turning radius comparable to many compact hatchbacks.
Luxury Cabin with AI-Powered Technology
Inside, the DENZA Z9GT features a technology-rich cabin centered around a 17.3-inch floating infotainment display. Additional screens include a 13.2-inch driver display and a matching 13.2-inch passenger entertainment screen.
The vehicle also offers a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display and optional digital side mirror displays that help eliminate traditional blind spots.
Powered by DENZA’s latest DiLink operating system, the infotainment suite includes Google built-in for navigation and voice services. An AI-powered digital assistant can access vehicle-specific information and provide natural-language support, effectively serving as an interactive vehicle guide.
Premium Ownership Experience
DENZA is positioning the Z9GT as a premium ownership experience beyond the vehicle itself. Customers can manage servicing through a dedicated smartphone app, while certain maintenance and software updates can be performed at home or at the workplace.
A complimentary valet service further enhances convenience for owners.
As an added incentive, every Z9GT will include one year of free FLASH Charging. Customers who place an order before the end of September will receive an additional six months, bringing the total to 18 months of complimentary charging.
Driving the Future of Electric Mobility
The Marco Polo Drive of Peace serves as both a symbolic and practical demonstration of how electric mobility is evolving. By undertaking a 15,000-kilometer journey across continents, the DENZA Z9GT will showcase the capabilities of modern EV technology in real-world conditions.
With ultra-fast charging, long driving range, advanced safety systems, and premium comfort, the Z9GT represents DENZA’s vision for the next generation of long-distance electric travel. As the journey progresses from Rome to Hong Kong, it will provide a powerful demonstration of how sustainable transportation can help connect cultures while supporting a greener future.
