BYD will bring its premium Denza brand to Europe by early 2026, launching with the all-electric Z9 GT shooting brake that delivers 952bhp.
The flagship Z9 GT aims to compete with the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, Audi S6 e-tron Avant, and BMW i5 Touring. It’s built on BYD’s 800V ‘e3’ electrical architecture, enabling ultra-fast charging capabilities.
Equipped with a 100kWh BYD Blade battery, the Z9 offers a 391-mile range on the Chinese CLTC test cycle. The battery integrates into the body structure to enhance rigidity and supports a tri-motor configuration.
While European specifications remain unconfirmed, the Chinese version features a 308bhp front motor and two 322bhp rear motors that can reach 21,000rpm. This combination produces 952bhp total output and accelerates from 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds.
The Z9 GT comes with air-suspension, double-wishbone front suspension, and a multi-link rear setup.
Its independently controlled rear motors enable rear-wheel steering, giving the vehicle a 4.62-meter turning circle – comparable to many city cars. This system allows the Z9 to move sideways into tight parking spaces.
Wolfgang Egger, who designed the Alfa Romeo 8C and previously led Audi Design and Giugiaro, penned the Z9 GT along with other BYD models.
Inside, the Z9 features BYD’s signature 17.3-inch infotainment screen in the center dash, complemented by a 13.2-inch display for the front passenger.
Stella Li, BYD’s executive vice president, reportedly believes entering the premium European market will “not be too much of a challenge” for Denza, citing superior technology compared to established brands.
“The Denza product is ten times better than the competition. We have lots of features that legacy brands do not have. Selling BYD cars is simple: just bring all the competing cars to a test track and let customers chose for themselves.”
Beyond the all-electric Z9 GT, Denza will also offer a plug-in hybrid version. The brand plans to later introduce its seven-seat D9 MPV to European markets, with an ultimate goal of selling between four and six models across the continent.
