DENZA Z9 GT First Drive Review

For those that were unaware, DENZA was formerly a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz before BYD decided to acquire the remaining shares from the German marque in 2024. So it's a BYD, but a luxury version and it's primed to take on luxury German carmakers such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. 

Its flagship model that you see here, the Z9 GT, is set to be ready for Singapore's entry sometime in the third quarter of this year.

The DENZA Z9 GT looks undoubtedly appealing and sporty

DENZA's flagship gran tourer is perfect for families looking for performance and space

Finally, some action!

But before that happens, I managed to have a really brief bolt around BYD's new Zhengzhou 1,758m race track and it's safe to report that the DENZA Z9 GT will not embarrass itself among its premium rivals. Sure, it's not the sharpest in its class and you feel it around tighter turns on the track, but it does hold its own very well around all nine turns without coming across as clumsy.  

In that sense, the car could do with a more talkative and urgent steering, but the Z9 GT easily makes up for where it lacks with its ample power on tap. Despite its heft of over 2.3 tonnes, with one motor in front and two at the rear, the luxury Chinese vehicle feels quick on the straights. 

With a combined system output of 952bhp and instant 1,150Nm of twisting force delivered to all four corners smoothly, the nought to 100km/h is despatched is just 3.4 seconds - a figure that's more impressive than the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo.

Cabin is a work of art, with plush materials used and a solid fit and finish

Thankfully, the glass-looking gear lever is located at the right place - the centre console. 

"Impressive" seems like an apt word

Equally impressive is the interior, where it's obvious that plenty of attention, top-notch materials, engineering and thought have been laid down. Every corner of the cabin where you care to run your fingers feels good to the touch, with no unnecessary creaking or rattling when you're piloting the car in high speeds.  

Unfortunately, my limited time with the DENZA also meant that I didn't get the chance to meddle with the 17.3-inch central infotainment system much. But first impressions did not disappoint, thanks to the system's responsiveness and crisp display.

Two wireless chargers - for the driver and front passenger to utilise at the same time

Form meeting function, the DENZA Z9 GT has a useable boot capacity of 488 litres

I can't wait!!

Of course, there's a lot we still need to find out about this car that you see here when it arrives in the third quarter of this year, but as of now, the DENZA Z9 GT offers quite a fair bit of promise. 

Plentiful performance, matured handling, luxurious cabin and a 100kWh battery that's good for over 630km worth of range, the Z9 GT offers a convincing formula that will have no qualms giving its competitors a run for their money.