Denzabicycle, the first car from BYD, was established in 2010 as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz, with its first launch in the Chinese market in 2014. However, now wholly owned by BYD, it underwent a significant rebrand in 2021, with Wolfgang Egger, the former leader of design teams at Audi and Lamborghini, joining as the new chief designer.
The Z9GT is the Denza car to launch into the market because it represents the “best of BYD technology and the best of BYD design,” according to Lin Li. At its core, Denza’s e3 Platform includes a unique rear-wheel dual-motor independent steering system, allowing the right and left wheels to steer independently and interact with each other. This feature enables drivers to toe in and toe out of tight spaces, as well as perform crab walking—gliding sideways with a 15-degree industrial-leading angle. This lateral trick is controlled by Z9GT’s Vehicle Motion Control architecture, which can compensate for high-speed tire blowouts by adjusting torque to isolated tires, redistributing power at speeds over 110 mph.
The e3 Platform also incorporates a Cell-to-Body structure, such as that seen in the BYD Seal, ensuring a stiffened chassis and a flat floor, which supports 15mm additional height in the cabin floor. The result of this innovation is a sleek, modern, and intuitive design that aligns with BYD’s distinctly Japanese aesthetic.
Interior-wise, Denza’s Z9GT features suitably premium leather seats, wooden accents along the dash, and a 128-color lighting system. Front seats include 12-way electric adjustment, 10-point massage and heating, and an active side bolster that shares its air tanks with the car’s air suspension, providing additional support during cornering. The large 17.3-inch center console offers a horizontal seating arrangement and two double ultrawide 13.2-inch screens, allowing front passengers to interact with the e-in-car system. Advanced features like a refrigerated compartment for chilling contents, a 2.1m² panoramic glass roof, and a 20-speaker sound system from Devialet are also highlighted.
The Z9GT is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026 with either pure electric technology, offering a 0-60 mph time of around 3.4 seconds, or a Super DM hybrid, which will launch in late 2026. The price point remains a key factor in Denza’s success against its established competitors. On US launches, Denza has stated there are none.
