BYD’s Luxury Wagon Just Became a 1,140 hp Performance Machine
BYD has updated the Denza Z9 GT with a significant power increase that transforms this family-oriented electric wagon into a genuine performance vehicle. The all-electric all-wheel-drive version now produces 850 kW (1,140 hp), a jump of 188 hp from the previous generation, giving it more power output than many multi-million dollar supercars.
The update cycle for Chinese EVs continues to accelerate, with BYD refusing to settle on specifications that were already impressive just a year ago. This latest iteration of the Z9 GT demonstrates how rapidly the EV market is evolving, particularly in the premium segment, where performance and practicality are increasingly expected to coexist.
Powertrain Specifications
| Variant | Configuration | Total Output | 0-100 km/h | Range | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Electric AWD | Tri-motor (230 kW front + 310 kW rear dual) | 850 kW (1,140 hp) | Details not yet confirmed | Details not yet confirmed | 270 km/h |
| Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L turbo + 3 motors (152 kW + 200 kW front + 220 kW rear dual) | 858 hp | 3.6 seconds | 400 km (CLTC, electric only) | 230 km/h |
The electric variant’s tri-motor setup consists of one 230 kW motor at the front and two 310 kW motors at the rear. This configuration delivers the kind of acceleration typically reserved for dedicated performance vehicles, though BYD has not yet released official 0-100 km/h figures for the updated EV model.
Hybrid Option Gets Major Battery Upgrade
For buyers not ready to commit fully to electric power, BYD has substantially upgraded the plug-in hybrid variant. The new PHEV features a 63.82 kWh battery pack—nearly double the previous capacity—enabling a pure electric range of 400 km on the CLTC cycle. This is a meaningful improvement for daily commuting and short trips without engine assistance.
The hybrid powertrain combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine (152 kW) with three electric motors (200 kW front, 220 kW rear dual) for a combined system output of 858 hp. The PHEV accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 230 km/h, making it competitive with performance-oriented family vehicles in traditional markets.
Subtle Design Refinements and Advanced Autonomy
The exterior updates are understated but functionally significant. The most notable change is the repositioning of the LiDAR sensor from the fenders to a “watchtower” position atop the windshield, improving the vehicle’s perception for advanced driver assistance systems. A new Fjord Green paint option adds visual variety, while a blue indicator light signals when driver assistance systems are active.
The Z9 GT maintains its distinctive shooting brake proportions: 5,195 mm long, 1,990 mm wide, 1,490 mm tall, with a 3,125 mm wheelbase. The rear-wheel-drive variant weighs 2,700 kg, making it a substantial vehicle despite its electric or hybrid powertrain.
Inside, the cabin remains a showcase of technology and luxury. The dual refrigerator system (front and rear) and party tricks like “crab walk” (15-degree sideways movement) and “compass turn” (on-the-spot rotation) remain, offering both practical functionality and showroom appeal. These features leverage BYD’s Yi Sanfang system, which integrates independent motors and dual-motor rear-wheel steering for a 4.62-meter turning radius.
Pricing and Market Position
The updated Z9 GT maintains competitive pricing in the €43,000 to €60,000 range, depending on trim level. This positions it at roughly half the cost of comparable German luxury wagons, making it an aggressive value proposition for buyers seeking premium features and performance without traditional luxury brand pricing.
How It Compares
The Z9 GT’s 1,140 hp electric variant significantly outpowers most competitors in its class. The Mercedes-AMG E63 S produces 612 hp, while the BMW M440i xDrive generates 503 hp. Even the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, a dedicated performance EV, produces 938 hp in overboost mode—still less than the Z9 GT’s continuous output. However, the Z9 GT’s range and charging infrastructure remain limited outside China, where it is currently available.
Verdict
The updated Denza Z9 GT represents BYD’s commitment to pushing performance boundaries in the premium EV segment. With 1,140 hp in the electric variant and a substantially upgraded hybrid option, it challenges the notion that family wagons must compromise on power. The Z9 GT is designed for buyers who prioritize performance and technology over brand heritage and who are willing to embrace Chinese automotive innovation. The vehicle’s current availability is limited to China, though BYD has indicated European expansion plans. For those with access to the market, it offers supercar-level power in a practical, tech-forward package—though real-world range figures and autonomous driving capabilities for the updated model remain to be independently verified.
