It charges in five minutes. But can the Denza Z9GT EV crack the competition?

{"text":[[{"start":9.2,"text":"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."}],[{"start":43.32,"text":"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."}],[{"start":null,"text":"

"}],[{"start":null,"text":""}],[{"start":99.36,"text":"On paper, the Z9GT is a tantalising proposition – and bursting with technology. Underpinning the Z9GT is Denza’s e3 Platform (pronounced “e-cube”): three electric motors – two independent motors on the rear and one on the front axle – alongside a battery that forms part of the body and, above all, a clever rear-wheel steering set up that enables the Z9GT to perform outlandish car park gymnastics."}],[{"start":124.56,"text":"It can execute a 360-degree turn on the spot or autonomously “crab walk” itself into a tight parallel parking space – a bizarre stunt to experience, especially with your hands and feet entirely off the controls, but it works."}],[{"start":136.88,"text":"Inside, no fewer than four screens populate the cabin (another two optional square screens can be embedded in the doors that show a feed from the “digital wing mirror” for a further €1,600). It takes some getting used to. An overbearing 17.3-inch central display acts as the main control panel for everything, from climate to driving modes, settings and infotainment. Either side of that, a pair of 13.2-inch screens – one for the driving dials and the other allowing your passenger to watch, play games or do karaoke should they wish. The digital rear-view mirror plays a feed from the backwards-looking camera."}],[{"start":null,"text":""}],[{"start":173.72,"text":"Despite the digital overkill, the Denza is well-appointed, comfortable and quiet. There’s plenty of space in the front and back, with all four leather seats equipped with heating, cooling and massage functions as standard."}],[{"start":185.58,"text":"On a test drive of the pure EV model, just north of Paris, it’s no surprise to find the 1140bhp shooting brake is ludicrously fast. But it doesn’t feel like a car you want to push the performance of, despite the bright red “boost” paddle on the steering column or the inbuilt “boost” or “drift” modes which help you slide the car around."}],[{"start":204.32,"text":"On the open road, it rides very well, despite its near 2.9-tonne weight, and it’s a comfortable car for covering long distances. But when it comes down to driving dynamics, it’s no match for the lighter, similarly styled and priced Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo, which dates back to 2019."}],[{"start":null,"text":""}],[{"start":null,"text":""}],[{"start":221.56,"text":"Denza claims the EV Z9GT can cover 372-miles on a single charge, and recharge in as little as five minutes thanks to BYD’s “Flash” charger technology. The new EV chargers pump up to 1,500kW of power into the car, but BYD is yet to roll out the infrastructure. There are already more than 5,000 Flash charge points installed in China and BYD is aiming to deploy 3,000 across Europe by the end of 2026, 300 of which will be in the UK."}],[{"start":250.38,"text":"The Z9GT’s exterior design might not have the level of originality or sophistication required to compete in the £100,000-plus premium segment. Where the Denza does win, however, is on the levels of tech and trim included as standard. The only optional extras are 21-inch wheels (€2,500), metallic (€2,500) or matte (€4,500) paint and digital wing mirrors. Everything else, from the carbon ceramic brakes to the self-closing powered door and panoramic roof, is included. For now, the European premium carmakers might still have the upper hand. But with more models to come from this new Chinese entrant, the competition is just getting started."}],[{"start":300.48,"text":""}]],"url":"https://audio.ftcn.net.cn/album/a_1776417632_7554.mp3"}