2027 Denza Z9 GT review: Quick drive

Forget cheap and cheerful. The Denza Z9 GT is a BYD that thinks it’s a Porsche Taycan . Denza, BYD’s premium brand, offers three models in Australia, including two plug-in hybrid large off-road SUVs – the B5 and B8 – and the blingy electric-powered D9 people mover.

The Z9 GT, which will go on sale here in the third quarter of this year, steps Denza up a division. This sporty, luxurious electrified hatchback, which is perhaps better described as a wagon or shooting brake, will be the quickest, most powerful Chinese car ever sold in Australia. And it will have Taycan owners glancing nervously in their rear-vision mirrors.

The Denza Z9 GT is offered in Europe with the choice of two powertrains. The entry-level Z9 GT DM (for Dual Mode) is a plug-in hybrid with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet that directly drives the wheels only at high speeds but otherwise works mainly to keep the car’s 63.82kWh battery pack charged to feed its three electric motors. This model has yet to be confirmed for Australia. Initially we’re getting the more muscular pure-electric version badged simply as the Z9 GT.

The Z9 GT is built on a platform created by BYD specifically for Denza vehicles. Dubbed e3 (pronounced e-cube), the platform accommodates either pure-electric or plug-in hybrid powertrains and has Denza’s second-generation Blade Battery built in as an integral part of its structure. It also has a sophisticated digital control hub called the Vehicle Motion Controller that oversees the regenerative braking and the dual-mode dual-chamber air suspension, as well as functions such as the standard rear-wheel steering and self-parking systems.

At 5180mm long with a 3125mm wheelbase, the Z9 GT is a big car. Designed under the direction of BYD’s design director, former Audi design boss Wolfgang Egger, it is 206mm longer overall, and 221mm longer between the axles, than the Taycan Cross Turismo that clearly inspired its exterior styling. That long wheelbase delivers generous rear-seat accommodation that easily accommodates two adults.

Australian pricing for the Denza Z9 GT has yet to be confirmed. But in Europe and the UK it retails for about the same money as the Porsche Taycan 4S. If that pricing logic holds here, the Z9 GT could cost about $215,000.

The Denza Z9 GT’s door powers open with a touch on the handle. Once you’re seated, touch a button and the door will close. Press the brake pedal and the Denza wakes up. If you’re a traditionalist you can press the start button on the centre console.

A quick visual sweep around the interior reveals good perceived quality in terms of materials, and tons of standard equipment.