BYD’s Denza Z9 GT Rivals Porsche’s Panamera And Taycan For A Fraction Of The Price

The long-awaited Denza Z9 GT from BYD has finally hit the streets in China, and while it’s being touted as a premium vehicle, it somehow manages to make most non-Chinese EVs and PHEVs look wildly overpriced in comparison.

Local buyers ready to jump into the Z9 GT will have to shell out between 334,800 and 414,800 yuan (about $47,500 to $58,800 at current exchange rates), and for that price, they’ll be treated to an absurd 858 hp, or if that’s not quite excessive enough, an even more ridiculous 952 hp. In case you’re wondering, that’s enough power to make your Porsche-owning neighbor cry into their overpriced latte.

Read: Mercedes Withdraws From Denza, BYD Takes Full Ownership

Speaking of Porsche, in China, the Panamera Sport Turismo starts from 1,193,000 yuan (around $163,400) for the 325 hp base V6, climbing to 1,503,000 yuan ($205,800) for the 552 hp E-Hybrid. And if you’ve got your eye on the electric Taycan Cross Turismo, you’re looking at 1,008,000 yuan ($138,000) for the 429 hp base model, all the way up to a wallet-crushing 1,568,000 yuan ($214,800) for the 872 hp Turbo variant.

Back to the Z9 GT, the exterior of Denza’s sleek estate doesn’t change much across trim levels, though the Chinese company’s design team has managed to give the PHEV models a more imposing look with revised front and rear bumpers.

The PHEV variants

The most affordable version, known as the Z9 GT PHEV Pro that’s priced from 334,800 yuan ($47,500), is based on the e3 platform and uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 203 hp. This motor is supplemented by three electric motors, combining to deliver a scarcely believable 858 hp, sending the car to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.6 seconds. This model has a sizeable 38.5 kWh LFP battery and can travel 125 miles (201 km) on all-electric power or around 683 miles (1,100 km) all up.

Denza is also offering the Z9 GT PHEV in Max, Ultra, Max LFE, and Ultra LFE guises, with prices ranging from 364,800 yuan to 414,800 yuan (about $51,700 to $58,800). The LFE models, standing for ‘Limited First Edition,’ will be capped at just 2,010 units. The Max trims add premium features like air suspension, a head-up display, massage seats, and a rearview screen, while the Ultra ups the luxury with electrically powered doors, Nappa leather seats, and a 26-speaker sound system.

Pure electric models

Two electric versions are available. Both use three powerful motors to produce a combined 952 hp, allowing the EV to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.4 seconds. A 100.1 kWh battery pack allows the EV to travel 391 miles (630 km) on a charge. Prices for the base EV start at 354,800 yuan (~$50,300), while the flagship EV is priced at 384,800 yuan (~$54,550).

The Z9 GT is important for the Denza brand as it will be sold in Europe, where it’ll go against models like the Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door. Market-specific prices will be announced at a later date.

Source: Carnewschina, Denza