Denza Z9 GT Lands in Europe: BYD’s Luxury Brand Declares War on Porsche

“The Denza product is ten times better than the competition.”
That’s not PR fluff — that’s a direct quote from BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li. And after what we’ve seen in Milan, she might not be exaggerating.

The Denza Z9 GT, the first flagship grand tourer from BYD’s luxury sub-brand, has officially made its European debut during Milan Design Week. BYD isn’t just entering the European premium market — it’s kicking down the door with 952 bhp, crab-walking tech, and an aggressive pricing and positioning strategy that’s making German automakers sweat.

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From JV to Global Luxury Challenger

Let’s rewind. Denza started as a 2010 joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz. After a rebrand and BYD’s full takeover in 2021, Denza has been reborn with a bold mission: to disrupt the European luxury performance segment.

The Z9 GT is the brand’s opening statement — and it's not whispering.

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Platform Wars: Denza’s e3 Tech Shows Its Teeth

At the heart of the Denza Z9 GT is BYD’s proprietary e3 platform — an EV-focused architecture that underpins Denza’s most premium vehicles. The Z9 GT is available as both a PHEV (plug-in hybrid) and BEV (battery electric vehicle). It’s also the first model to showcase the next-gen tech Denza claims is years ahead of legacy automakers.

Let’s break down the headline specs.

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• Denza Z9 GT brings Porsche-level performance to Europe at a potentially disruptive price point.

• Powered by BYD’s advanced e3 platform, it features tri-motor powertrains, crab-walking tech, and a luxury-focused interior.

• With no plans for US release, the Z9 GT is a Europe-exclusive threat to German dominance in the premium EV space.

Why Denza Z9 GT Feels Like the Anti-Tesla

Tesla has taken its foot off the gas. BYD? It’s flooring it.

With record-breaking revenue ($107 billion in 2024) and explosive growth outside of China, BYD is not only outpacing Tesla in sales — it's now challenging Europe’s top-tier brands with Denza.

Here’s what makes the Z9 GT special — and different from just another EV with a fast 0–60 time:

1. Crab Walking & Rear-Wheel Steering

The Z9 GT can crab walk sideways at up to 15 degrees — a genuine feat enabled by its independent rear-wheel steering system. Both rear wheels operate independently, letting the car pivot like a ballet dancer. Tight urban parking? Solved.

2. Blowout-Proof Control at 180 km/h

Thanks to its Vehicle Motion Control system, the Z9 GT can detect and adjust torque in milliseconds if a tire blows — even at speeds over 110 mph.

3. Cell-to-Body Battery Integration

By embedding its Blade Battery into the chassis itself, the Z9 GT offers a stiffer structure and a completely flat cabin floor — enhancing both space and safety.

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Porsche, Meet Your Match

Let’s address the elephant in the showroom: Yes, this is a direct shot at Porsche.

The Denza Z9 GT's long, low-slung shooting brake design draws unmistakable parallels with the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo and Panamera. In fact, Denza execs are openly targeting the same customer base.

Yet, it’s not just about looks. The Z9 GT beats or matches Porsche’s EVs on key specs like horsepower, torque vectoring tech, interior volume, and range — all at a price that’s expected to undercut the German brands significantly.

“Selling BYD cars is simple: just bring all the competing cars to a test track and let customers choose for themselves.”
— Stella Li, Executive VP, BYD

That’s confidence.

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Inside the Denza Z9 GT: Built for Quiet Luxury

Denza didn’t stop at performance. The interior of the Z9 GT is a tech-forward, first-class lounge.

• Seating: Five plush seats, including zero-gravity front passenger mode with electric leg support.

• Infotainment: A 17.3-inch central screen, plus dual 13.2-inch ultrawide displays for the front passenger.

• Premium Touches: Crystal gear shifter, two refrigerators (4L front, 10L rear), Devialet 20-speaker audio system, and air suspension with active side bolsters.

This isn’t minimalism — it’s luxury maximalism done right.

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The Road Ahead: What Denza Has Planned

The Z9 GT hits Europe first in late 2025. The pure electric variant will launch in November, followed by the Super DM hybrid in early 2026. Prices haven’t been confirmed, but early estimates based on the Chinese market peg it between $47,000 and $58,000.

Also on the roadmap: Denza’s D9 MPV and future SUVs (N7, N9) — all leveraging the same high-tech DNA.

Stella Li made it clear: “We don’t have any plans to launch any consumer car in the US.”

So, Europeans, enjoy it while you can. Americans? Maybe start looking at one-way flights.