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 large hatchback/wagon in the identical vein because the Zeekr 001 and Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo, with the efficiency and know-how to match and even exceed these vehicles. It is going to be accessible 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 completely. You now get a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that capabilities 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 line with Automotive Information China, the automotive 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 automotive remains 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 count on a real-world vary of round 500 km, which remains to be fairly spectacular for this kind of automotive.
To maintain all that efficiency on the highway, 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, 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 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 size give the Denza a stretched, low-slung look, as do the sweeping roofline, quick rear windscreen rake and scalloped facet 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 harking back to the Denza brand.
Inside, the Z9 GT actually seems to be 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 non-compulsory side-view cameras.
Additionally accessible is a “zero-gravity” lie-flat entrance passenger seat, a Devialet sound system with rising audio system and a minimum of 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 accessible as a sedan, which might be revealed in the end. The automotive can also be earmarked for Europe, the place the automotive 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 offered in Malaysia? Properly, the affirmation of Denza’s impending arrival on our shores means there’s a non-zero likelihood of that taking place. 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 automotive even more durable right here.
One benefit that will tip the scales within the Z9 GT’s favour is pricing. In China, electrical variations of the automotive price between 359,800 yuan (RM218,600) and 385,800 yuan (RM236,800), and even a hefty markup would nonetheless enable the Denza to closely undercut the circa-RM700,000 i7 and EQS. Would you purchase this automotive if it involves Malaysia? Hold forth within the feedback after the leap.
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