Since being extricated from a three way partnership with Mercedes-Benz, BYD model Denza has gone from energy to energy, repositioned as a premium marque. It at the moment 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.
This can be a large 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 automobiles. It will likely 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 an entire different degree completely. 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 formidable complete system output of 870 PS (640 kW). In response to Automotive Information China, the automotive accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds.
Regardless of this degree 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 automotive continues to be capable of ship a gasoline 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 allows a variety 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 automotive.
To maintain all that efficiency on the street, the Z9 GT comes with dual-chamber air suspension as normal – 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 simply 4.62 m. The automotive may even “crab stroll” at as much as 15 levels, just 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 large automotive. It measures 5,180 mm lengthy and 1,990 mm extensive, 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 automotive’s substantial width is emphasised by the broad dual-tier headlights and the almost full-width taillights, the latter incorporating hourglass graphics paying homage to the Denza emblem.
Inside, the Z9 GT definitely seems luxurious, with an expansive dashboard design, a floating centre console and much of expensive-looking Nappa leather-based. Being that this can be a Chinese language automotive 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 optionally available 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 can be revealed in the end. The automotive can be earmarked for Europe, the place the automotive will compete with not simply the Taycan but in addition established premium rivals just like the BMW i7 and Mercedes-Benz EQS – and take a look at the Continent’s urge for food for high-performance luxurious EVs.
Will the Z9 GT ever be bought in Malaysia? Nicely, the affirmation of Denza’s impending arrival on our shores means there’s a non-zero probability of that taking place. We received’t be holding our breath, nevertheless, provided that these aforementioned rivals haven’t precisely been flying off the cabinets, and the shortage of established model cachet will make promoting the automotive even more durable right here.
One benefit that might tip the scales within the Z9 GT’s favour is pricing. In China, electrical variations of the automotive value 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 automotive if it involves Malaysia? Pontificate within the feedback after the soar.
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