BYD’s premium brand Denza has expanded the Z9 GT lineup with a new electric version that combines hypercar-level power with a significantly lower starting price.
Launched in China on September 9, the new Denza Z9 GT e3 Flash Charge costs 329,800 yuan, or approximately $49,200. That makes it 40,000 yuan, roughly $6,000, less expensive than the existing e3 Flash Charge Performance Edition.
Despite the lower price, Denza has retained the car’s three-motor electric powertrain, ultra-fast charging system, rear-wheel steering and advanced driver-assistance technology.
Three Motors Produce 1,140 Horsepower
The new Z9 GT uses Denza’s e3 all-wheel-drive platform. It combines a 230-kW electric motor on the front axle with two 310-kW permanent-magnet motors at the rear.
Together, the three motors generate 850 kW, equivalent to approximately 1,140 horsepower, and 1,210 Nm of torque. Denza claims the large electric shooting brake can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds.
That output remains unchanged from the more expensive Performance Edition. As a result, customers choosing the new entry-level model will not sacrifice straight-line performance.
The independent rear motors also allow the system to control each rear wheel separately. This improves traction and helps the car perform low-speed pivot maneuvers.
Rear-Wheel Steering Improves Maneuverability
At 5,195 millimeters long and with a 3,125-mm wheelbase, the Z9 GT is a large vehicle. However, standard independent rear-wheel steering gives it a turning radius of only 4.62 meters.
This technology allows the rear wheels to change direction independently. It can help the car negotiate narrow streets, enter tight parking spaces and perform automated parking maneuvers.
Denza has also retained its DiSus-A intelligent air suspension. The system continuously adjusts the suspension to balance comfort and stability under acceleration, braking and cornering.
Up to 600 Kilometers of WLTP Range
The new version uses BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery. It offers a claimed range of 860 kilometers under China’s CLTC testing cycle.
The equivalent WLTP estimate is approximately 600 kilometers, or 373 miles. Real-world range will vary according to speed, temperature, driving conditions and the use of climate controls.
One of the Z9 GT’s most notable features is its Flash Charging system. Denza says the battery can receive a significant amount of energy in five minutes and complete a full charge in nine minutes under suitable conditions.
Those figures depend on access to BYD’s dedicated high-power charging infrastructure. Therefore, customers using conventional public chargers should expect longer charging times.
Where Denza Reduced the Cost
Denza achieved the lower price through selected equipment changes instead of reducing power or battery capacity.
The Performance Edition uses expensive carbon-ceramic brake discs. The new Z9 GT e3 replaces them with ventilated cast-iron discs, which are more common and less costly to manufacture and replace.
Denza has also simplified some cabin equipment. However, the vehicle retains the DiPilot 5.0 driver-assistance platform, city navigation assistance and automated parking functions.
This approach could make the Z9 GT more attractive to buyers who want its performance and technology but do not need every premium feature.
A New Rival for Electric Performance Cars
The new price places the Z9 GT in direct competition with high-performance electric vehicles such as the Zeekr 001 AWD. However, the Denza offers considerably more power than the most powerful regular version of the Zeekr.
The Z9 GT has also become an important model for Denza. According to CarNewsChina, the vehicle represented almost 30% of Denza’s passenger-car sales in China during July.
Although pricing and equipment for international markets may differ, the new model demonstrates how quickly Chinese manufacturers are combining extreme performance, advanced chassis technology and competitive pricing.
