Since being extricated from a three way partnership with Mercedes-Benz, BYD model Denza has gone from power to power, repositioned as a premium marque. It presently sells SUVs and a Toyota Alphard-rivalling luxurious MPV, nevertheless it has now proven simply how high-end it desires to go by revealing its assertion of intent – the Z9 GT.
It is a huge hatchback/wagon in the identical vein because the Zeekr 001 and Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo, with the efficiency and expertise to match and even exceed these vehicles. Will probably be out there in plug-in hybrid and full electrical variations.
Denza has made efficiency PHEVs earlier than, utilising BYD’s already-potent 490 PS DM-p setup, however the Z9 GT takes it to a complete different stage totally. You now get a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that features as a generator to juice the three electrical motors – together with two on the rear for correct torque vectoring – for a powerful complete system output of 870 PS (640 kW). Based on Automotive Information China, the automobile accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds.
Regardless of this stage of efficiency, the corporate is claiming an astounding 201 km of pure electrical vary, resulting in a complete vary of 1,100 km. And even after the battery is depleted, the automobile continues to be in a position to ship a gas consumption determine of 5.6 litres per 100 km.
However the EV model is much more spectacular – the identical three motors sans the petrol mill have been boosted to a whopping 963 PS (710 Nm) – dropping the century dash time to three.4 seconds – whereas its 100 kWh battery permits a spread of 630 km. That is on the CLTC cycle, so anticipate a real-world vary of round 500 km, which continues to be fairly spectacular for one of these automobile.
To maintain all that efficiency on the street, the Z9 GT comes with dual-chamber air suspension as customary – various the bottom clearance from 105 to 155 mm – together with rear-wheel steering with as much as 20 levels of angle, shortening the turning radius to only 4.62 m. The automobile may even “crab stroll” at as much as 15 levels, much like the GMC Hummer EV.
It’s a superb job the Z9 GT has the extent of efficiency it has, as a result of it’s a huge automobile. It measures 5,180 mm lengthy and 1,990 mm vast, making it 217 mm longer and 24 mm wider than the aforementioned Taycan Sport Turismo, whereas its 3,125 mm wheelbase is 225 mm longer.
The scale give the Denza a stretched, low-slung look, as do the sweeping roofline, quick rear windscreen rake and scalloped aspect surfacing emanating from the entrance fender vents. In the meantime, the automobile’s substantial width is emphasised by the broad dual-tier headlights and the practically full-width taillights, the latter incorporating hourglass graphics paying homage to the Denza brand.
Inside, the Z9 GT definitely appears to be like luxurious, with an expansive dashboard design, a floating centre console and much of expensive-looking Nappa leather-based. Being that it is a Chinese language automobile in 2024, the cabin is awash with screens, together with widescreen instrument and entrance passenger shows and a large floating centre touchscreen, plus two extra shows for the elective side-view cameras.
Additionally out there is a “zero-gravity” lie-flat entrance passenger seat, a Devialet sound system with rising audio system and at least two fridges – one beneath the entrance armrest, one other between the rear seat backrests. There’s a panoramic glass roof as properly, replete with separate entrance and rear sliding sunshades.
Except for the GT, the Z9 may also be out there as a sedan, which might be revealed sooner or later. The automobile can also be earmarked for Europe, the place the automobile will compete with not simply the Taycan but additionally established premium rivals just like the BMW i7 and Mercedes-Benz EQS – and check the Continent’s urge for food for high-performance luxurious EVs.
Will the Z9 GT ever be bought in Malaysia? Effectively, the affirmation of Denza’s impending arrival on our shores means there’s a non-zero probability of that occuring. We received’t be holding our breath, nonetheless, on condition that these aforementioned rivals haven’t precisely been flying off the cabinets, and the shortage of established model cachet will make promoting the automobile even more durable right here.
One benefit that may tip the scales within the Z9 GT’s favour is pricing. In China, electrical variations of the automobile price between 359,800 yuan (RM218,600) and 385,800 yuan (RM236,800), and even a hefty markup would nonetheless permit the Denza to closely undercut the circa-RM700,000 i7 and EQS. Would you purchase this automobile if it involves Malaysia? Hold forth within the feedback after the leap.
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