Denza Z9 electric saloon on sale in China for €43,800

The Denza Z9, a full-size electric saloon from BYD’s premium subsidiary, has gone on sale in China for a starting price of around €44,000. It features a choice between a fully electric (BEV) or range-extended electric (EREV) drivetrain, with powerful performance and 630 to 1,100 km of range.

After launching the Denza Z9 GT in August, a premium shooting brake with plans to export to Europe, Denza has unveiled its flagship model’s traditional saloon version at the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show.

BYD’s premium offering

To recall: Denza was initially a Mercedes-BYD joint venture, but the German manufacturer cut ties earlier this year, making BYD the sole owner. Since 2021, Denza has rebranded to become a premium sub-brand in the BYD portfolio.

The Denza Z9 is 5235 mm long, 1990 mm wide, and 1500 mm high on a massive 3125 mm wheelbase. That makes it around 50 mm longer than the shooting brake version Z9 GT.

Traditional full-size saloon

Much of the Z9 GT’s design cues have been preserved, with large headlights, a smooth profile with striking air vents behind the front wheels, and hourglass-shaped rear lights. On the inside, passengers can enjoy vast space, with the option to recline the rear seats.

The digital offering consists of a 13.2-inch instrument cluster, a 17.3-inch central touchscreen, and a 13.2-inch front passenger display. The driver also gets a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display.

BEV or EREV

As is popular in the Chinese market, the Denza Z9 offers the choice between a pure electric (BEV) and an extended-range electric (EREV) drivetrain. Both versions feature three electric motors (one at the front and two at the rear).

But while the BEV gets a 100 kWh battery for a CLTC range of 630 km, the EREV has a 38.5 kWh battery and a 2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that acts as a generator, taking the combined range up to 1,100 km (or 201 km on just the battery).

Coming to Europe?

In terms of pricing, Denza has announced a starting price of 334,800 yuan for the EREV version (around 43,800 euros) or 354,800 yuan for the pure electric Z9 (around 46,500 euros). The competition includes the Nio ET7 and Huawei’s Avatr 12.

Both versions are already on sale in China and will be delivered in December. As the Z9 GT plans to enter Europe, it seems likely that the Z9 saloon will follow.