Denza’s new Shooting Brake is called the Z9 GT
The saloon in the style of a shooting brake is called the Z9 GT, is 5.18 metres long, 1.99 metres wide and 1.50 or 1.48 metres high depending on the version – with the optional air suspension, this is 20 millimetres less than with the standard chassis. The wheelbase is given as 3.125 metres in the Chinese documents.
It was already apparent at the public presentation of a camouflaged prototype in Stuttgart a few weeks ago, but the images now published make it clear: the Z9 GT is not only visually reminiscent of the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo (especially in the side view), the new Denza also plays in the sports car league in terms of performance. This is because it is equipped with three electric motors (one at the front and two at the rear). The drive unit on the front axle has an output of 230 kW, while those on the rear axle each have 240 kW. That makes a total output of 710 kW. It is not clear from the documents whether this is also the system output or whether the battery is the limiting factor – only the outputs of the individual motors are listed there.
The battery comes from FinDreams Battery, BYD’s battery division. Further details about the battery are not yet available, but it is highly likely that it will be BYD’s own LFP technology. An indication that the battery of the Z9 GT will probably be quite generously dimensioned is provided not only by the long wheelbase and the high performance, but also by the total weight of the vehicle: the Z9 GT is said to weigh a whopping 2,875 kilograms.
Inclusion in the vehicle catalogue of the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is mandatory and makes an early market launch likely: the catalogue lists all vehicles with standardised data so that consumers can obtain neutral information and make comparisons. Inclusion in the catalogue is the last major regulatory process before a model can be sold in China. In the case of the Denza Z9 GT, the Chinese public now has until 22 April to provide feedback. The official market launch with orders could then take place – possibly as early as the motor show in Beijing at the end of April. According to the CN EV Post, the vehicle will be delivered from the end of the year.
Denza was founded in 2010 as a 50-50 joint venture between BYD and the then Daimler AG. In 2022, the Stuttgart-based company significantly reduced its stake, since when BYD has held 90 per cent and therefore has decision-making power. As a result, BYD has reorganised its portfolio and currently sells three models – two SUVs called N7 and N8 as well as the large D9 van.
0 Comments