BYD’s Denza Z9 GT has been photographed on Indian roads for the first time, just days before the luxury brand’s scheduled debut on November 13. The large electric shooting brake was spotted in Gurugram, confirming that at least one example has reached the country. Denza is expected to launch the Z9 GT as a completely built-up import, with an estimated ex-showroom price of Rs 1.2 crore to Rs 1.5 crore.
Denza has already teased the car for India, so its appearance is not a surprise. What makes it interesting is the combination of an unusual estate-like body, three electric motors and performance figures that exceed those of many established luxury electric cars. However, the car’s presence on the road does not confirm customer deliveries, final specifications or the date when bookings will open.
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The electric Z9 GT uses one motor at the front and two at the rear, providing all-wheel drive and individual control of the rear wheels. Denza’s published European specification lists a combined output of 850kW, or 1,156PS, and 1,210Nm. The commonly reported 1,156hp figure uses metric horsepower; converted to mechanical bhp, the output is approximately 1,140bhp.
Denza claims the Z9 GT accelerates from 0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds and reaches 270km/h. The latest India sighting report quotes 240km/h, so the final India-spec top speed will need confirmation at launch. Either way, this is an extremely powerful five-seat car rather than a conventional family estate.
For comparison, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive sold here produces 601hp and 795Nm, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds. It costs around Rs 1.2 crore, ex-showroom. The Z9 GT’s predicted price would therefore put it in the same broad shopping range as a much more powerful but unfamiliar alternative. Performance alone, of course, will not determine which car is better to own.
The Z9 GT sits on BYD’s e3 platform and uses rear-wheel steering. Its rear wheels can turn by up to 15 degrees, helping the 5.18-metre-long car manoeuvre in confined spaces. It also has a ‘crab walk’ function that allows it to move diagonally and a special manoeuvre mode that can rotate the vehicle through 360 degrees. These capabilities are intended for controlled low-speed situations, not normal road driving.
The car measures 5,180mm long, 1,990mm wide and 1,490mm tall, with a 3,125mm wheelbase. Its long roof, heavily raked rear windscreen and tailgate give it the shape of a shooting brake. The model spotted here has 20-inch alloy wheels and conventional door-mounted mirrors. Camera-based mirrors are offered in some overseas markets, but their availability on Indian cars has not been confirmed.
The electric version is expected to use a 122.5kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, with a claimed WLTP range of 600km. This is an international laboratory figure, and independent driving tests will be needed to establish the range in traffic and at sustained highway speeds. The long wheelbase also makes room for a large passenger cabin, while Denza lists a 495-litre rear boot and a 53-litre front compartment in its European specifications.
The manufacturer claims its latest Flash Charging system can replenish the battery from 10% to 97% in nine minutes, using equipment capable of delivering up to 1,500kW under suitable conditions. That is not what buyers should expect from a normal public DC charger. India has no broadly available 1,500kW charging network, and the charging equipment supplied with the local car has yet to be detailed. Conventional AC charging is supported at up to 11kW.
The international Z9 GT gets a 17.3-inch central touchscreen, a 13.2-inch digital instrument display and a second 13.2-inch screen for the front passenger. Cars with digital outside mirrors add small displays on the doors. Other available equipment includes powered doors, heated and ventilated seats with massage functions, a 20-speaker Devialet audio system, a panoramic roof, four-zone climate control and advanced driver assistance.
BYD India’s EV business head has said that Denza’s Indian models should carry equipment comparable to their international counterparts. Nevertheless, the final list of standard and optional features will only become clear when local specifications are released.
Denza is expected to begin its India operations with two models. Alongside the Z9 GT will be the D9 electric luxury MPV, positioned against the Toyota Vellfire and MG M9. The D9 is expected to cost around Rs 90 lakh, while the Z9 GT will be the more expensive, performance-focused offering. Both are expected as imports. The November 13 event should establish the brand’s plans and provide greater clarity on the two models.