Denza debuts in Europe: premium Chinese electrics and hybrids challenge big brands
The high-end brand of the Chinese Byd Group officially lands in the Old Continent with the Z9GT shooting brake and the D9 MPV, focusing on record recharging and cutting-edge technology
A year after its preview in Milan, Denza, Byd's premium-sports brand, makes its debut in Europe with models adapted to the old continent's market and to the Italian one thanks to the introduction of a real game changer: the plug-in hybrid powertrain. Denza's debut with the sporty Z9GT (and also an MPV called D9) took place in the setting of the Paris Opéra.
The European automotive scene is thus welcoming a new brand destined to make waves: Denza because it also aims to challenge the German brands. A difficult but not impossible mission.
The premium brand of the Byd Group, born in 2010 from the collaboration with Daimler, chose the striking setting of the Palais Garnier in Paris to announce its international debut. With the slogan 'Technology Drives Elegance', Denza launches a direct challenge to the giants of the industry by focusing on a mix of sophisticated design and high-level technical solutions.
The calling card for Europe is the Z9GT, a shooting brake with flowing and elegant lines, designed by Wolfgang Egger. Available in both all-electric and Super Hybrid Dm-i versions, the Z9GT promises true supercar performance. With a length of almost 5.20 metres and a generous wheelbase of 3,125 mm, it suits the needs of a modern family, thanks to a boot capacity of up to 1,680 litres.
The technological heart of the Z9GT lies in the 1.5 MW FLASH Charging system and the second generation Blade Battery with Cell-to-Body technology, where the battery becomes an integral part of the car's structure. This allows charging performance of 10% to 70% in just five minutes. The Z9GT is no joke when it comes to muscle. The all-electric (EV) version unleashes a system output of 1156 hp and 1210 Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds and reach 270 km/h. For those looking for maximum flexibility, the Super Hybrid (DM) version combines three electric motors with a 173 hp 2.0 turbo petrol power unit for a total output of 776 hp and a combined range of 805 kilometres and, thanks to a 63.8 kWh battery, offers around 200 km of Ev range. Despite its imposing dimensions, agility is ensured by a turning radius of only 5.35 metres, made possible by the rear wheels steering independently. This innovation allows the Z9GT to move with the ease of a city car in city centres and maintain high stability in fast motorway turns.
