BYD’s premium brand, Denza, has now arrived in Europe, with the marque aiming to butt heads against German giants including BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Leading the brand’s charge into Europe will be the Z9 GT, to be joined by the D9 MPV by the end of the year, and followed by a hybrid version of the Z9 in early 2026.
The Chinese carmaker giant has been diversifying its line up in Europe recently. After being launched in Europe as an electric vehicle (EV) only brand, BYD has also recently added plug-in hybrid models such as the Seal U DM-i to its line-up to help expand its reach.
The strategy appears to have worked, with the company recording 13,508 sales in the first two months of 2025, up nearly three times from the 4,705 units in the same period last year, according to figures from Dataforce. The introduction of the Denza brand marks BYD’s next step in its attempt to reach a wider market segment in Europe.
Not much has been said about the cars, nor the brand’s commercial strategy and plans in Europe yet, but BYD special advisor for Europe, Alfredo Altavilla, said during the brand introduction event at Milan yesterday that the Denza brand will be the technological leader for the group. “It will anticipate tech features that will later appear on BYD brand cars.”
The Denza Z9 GT was previously teased in Malaysia, too, during the launch of the D9 MPV here on our shores. Debuting in a now-unusual fastback-like wagon gran tourer silhouette, the Z9 GT boasts several unique features, including the ability to “crab walk” and rotate (almost) in place, thanks to its e3 platform with three individual motors, two on the rear axle alone.
READ MORE: Denza Z9 GT teased in Malaysia – official launch in 2025 as first RHD market?
In electric form, the three motors make a total of 963 hp (710 kW) and 710 Nm, translating to a 0-100 km/h sprint done in just 3.4 seconds. A 100.1 kWh LFP battery pack gives the Denza Z9 GT a claimed 630 km of range, based on the more lenient CLTC test cycle.
For the hybrid, a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine functions as a generator to power the three motors. While the total system output is slightly lower at 870 hp (640 kW), it is still sufficient for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.6 seconds. Paired to the 38.5 kWh battery pack, the hybrid Z9 GT is able to travel for up to 1,100 km (CLTC) in one tank of fuel and a fully charged battery.
Billed as the premium brand under the BYD umbrella, you can also expect luxury touches here on the Denza Z9 GT, including the ‘Zero-Gravity’ lie-flat front seats, a Devialet premium sound system, two fridges, and a massive panoramic glass roof with separate front and rear sliding sunshades.
Denza recently made its official debut here in Malaysia with the launch of the D9 MPV. Here, it’s available two different variants starting from RM259,000 – a price that significantly undercuts most of its rivals, especially the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire duos that do not enjoy the same tax rebates as the electric-only Denza.
In just a short one month, Denza has already delivered over 200 units of the D9 MPV here in Malaysia, proving its popularity. But will the Z9 GT enjoy the same reception here in Malaysia when it launches later this year, given that it is in a less popular bodystyle? Only time will tell.
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