Driving Report Denza Z9 GT—No One Charges Faster

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With the Denza Z9 GT, car manufacturer BYD is also entering the premium segment in Europe. The elegant Shooting Brake is available as an electric and plug-in hybrid. Both have many completely new functions on board.

Ordinary is different. The Z9 GT not only has up to four engines. It can also crab walk, its rear wheels can turn in different directions and its sensitive sensor system should be able to compensate for the consequences of a tire blowout up to 112 mph.

It also cools your favorite ice cream down to minus five degrees and charges its battery at an almost monkey-like speed: up to 1,500 kilowatts (kW) flow into the energy storage unit via "flash charge". Last but not least, the luxury vehicle is also as fast as an arrow: the electric vehicle, which weighs a good 5,500 lbs, is catapulted to 62 mph in 2.7 seconds. The plug-in hybrid needs just 3.6 seconds to do the same. The top speed is only reached at 168 mph and 162 mph respectively.

Performance Data Like Lucid And Tesla

A look at the technical data quickly reveals what lies behind these sports car figures. The three engines in the EV version deliver a respectable system output of 850 kW and a combined torque of 1,210 Nm. No wonder that a forced start in the 17.0 ft long, 6.5 ft wide and only 4.9 ft high Z9 GT should feel quite lifted despite being close to the ground—somehow decoupled from the law of inertia. The Lucid Air Sapphire (2.0 seconds) and the Plaid version of the Tesla Model S (2.1 seconds), which is only available second-hand, send their regards.

In the plug-in called Super Hybrid DM (for Dual Mode) with its four engines, including the 122 cubic inches petrol engine used primarily as an electricity producer, its 765 hp and 1,035 Nm, the dynamic impression is likely to be very similar. Only a little louder when full power is required.

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70 Percent Charge in Five Minutes

As mentioned, charging is also fast. This is because the second generation of BYD's Blade battery allows for something that was previously mutually exclusive: high energy density and very fast charging. Up to a record-breaking 2,000 hp. Behind this is a transport system for the ions called Flash Pass, which reduces the internal resistance of the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells and simultaneously reduces their heat generation.

In practice, this is reflected in extremely short charging times. At the flash chargers, which BYD plans to install in 30 European countries in the foreseeable future, the motto will be "Ready in 5. Full in 9. In cold weather +3". In other words: five minutes are enough to charge the 122.6 kWh battery from ten to 70 percent, nine minutes for 20 to 97 percent. And even at minus 30 degrees, the procedure should only take three minutes longer.

The Interior of the Denza Z9 GT

The driver and passengers can look forward to plenty of luxury and fine materials such as leather and wood. The seats are multi-adjustable, a ten-point massage is installed as well as ventilation and heating, and the driver is held in position in fast bends by active side bolsters. Infotainment is provided by three displays (17.3 and two 13.2-inch) plus a 50-inch head-up display with augmented reality and a Devialet sound system. The input comes from Denza's latest software called DiLink, which offers Google integration and provides an AI-supported digital assistant.

Denza has come up with some exciting ingredients for safety and driving dynamics. The brakes, chassis and steering are controlled via Vehicle Motion Control (VMC). This is not only intended to take the fear out of tire blowouts, but the separate control of the two steerable rear wheels also makes it possible to perform curious maneuvers such as crabbing sideways (same steering angle front and rear) or parking the rear when stationary using only the rear tires. Sounds a bit weird, but it is.

The extremely small turning circle of 35.1 ft for a vehicle of this size thanks to the toe-out rotation, in which both rear wheels turn away from the center of the vehicle, seems much more sensible.

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126 Miles Electric, 500 Miles Hybrid

The two-stage dual-chamber air suspension with double wishbones at the front and a five-link suspension at the rear is intended to be an effective companion working in the background, combining comfort with the necessary firmness. The fast Denza enables very dynamic interludes. However, it is not intended to force you to do so, but rather to motivate you to drive briskly, even over long distances.

The manufacturer has not yet given a WLTP consumption value, but the range is said to be 373 miles. A rear-wheel drive version, which will be delivered later, will go even further. And according to Denza, the plug-in has a range of 126 miles in pure electric mode and 500 miles in a combination of electric and petrol drive thanks to the 63.8 kWh battery. The noble Chinese are also available as a towing vehicle: both versions can tow up to 4,400 pounds.

The Z9 GT is only available in one equipment version, and this is complete. Only the paintwork, "normal" or digital exterior mirrors and the wheels can still be varied. Sales are due to start shortly at prices from $114,000 (plug-in) and $127,000 (EV). A free valet service is included, as well as one year of free flash charging. Anyone who orders before the end of September will receive an additional six free months of electricity on top.

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