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 (US$ 47,500 to US$ 58,800), 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. 

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 most affordable version, known as the Z9 GT PHEV Pro that’s priced from 334,800 yuan (US$ 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 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. This model has a sizeable 38.5 kWh LFP battery and can travel 201 km on all-electric power or around 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 (US$ 51,700 to US$ 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.

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