DenzaZ9 GT

The Z9 GT is the first model from Denza, BYD’s luxury brand, in the UK: a large, four-seat shooting brake aimed squarely at the Porsche Panamera and Taycan Sport Turismo. It is offered as a Super DM plug-in hybrid from £95,000 and as a fully electric car from £105,000, each in one high specification. The EV is first to arrive, with the hybrid following later.

## Battery, range and charging

The plug-in hybrid has a 63.8 kWh battery – bigger than many electric cars – giving up to 126 miles of electric-only range and around 500 miles in total with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. The EV uses a 122 kWh battery with a WLTP range of 373 miles. Both support BYD’s Flash Charging at up to 1,500 kW, which can take the battery from 10% to 97% in about nine minutes on a compatible charger.

## Performance and driving

The hybrid combines its engine with three electric motors for 776 PS and 1,035 Nm, giving 0–62 mph in 3.6 seconds and a 161 mph top speed. The EV goes further, with 1,156 PS and 0–62 mph in 2.7 seconds. Air suspension and rear-wheel steering are standard; early UK testers found the ride very comfortable on the motorway but too soft and fidgety on poorer roads.

## Interior and space

All four seats are Nappa leather, heated, ventilated and massaging, and the rear seats recline and have extended leg rests. In the EV the boot holds 495 litres, or 1,680 litres with the seats folded, plus a small front compartment. A fridge sits between the front seats and a panoramic roof is standard.

## Technology and safety

Standard equipment includes a 20-speaker, 1,150 W Devialet sound system with Dolby Atmos, 20-inch wheels and a parking assistant that can be operated remotely from a phone app. Options include 21-inch wheels and digital door mirrors.

## Who is it for?

Buyers who want a fast, lavishly equipped executive car with a long electric range and do not mind an unfamiliar badge. Rivals include the Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid, Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo and Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance.