Chinese carmakers have been upending the bargain end of the European car market since the late 2010s, flooding forecourts with tech-filled EVs at prices legacy carmakers can’t keep pace with. So far, the premium and luxury brands – think Audi, BMW, Mercedes and even Porsche – have remained unchallenged, protected by habit as much as heritage and horsepower. But Denza, the “premium technology-oriented” sub-brand of Chinese car giant BYD (standing for “Build Your Dreams”) is hoping to change that with the arrival of its flagship Z9GT.
Available as either a plug-in-hybrid or pure electric, the two Z9GT models have been available in China since 2024 and are now available in France, Italy, Spain and Germany for €115,000 and €101,000 respectively. Expect pricing to be similar when they arrive on UK roads this summer. (The Z9GT is not currently destined for the USA.) The 1140bhp EV version will cover off 0-62mph in 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 167mph. The slightly more reserved 765bhp “super hybrid” can cover off the same 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 162mph. Behind them lies a brand-new challenger to what European premium carmakers have hung their hat on: a well-made “executive express” that excels in design, comfort and performance.
