BYD’s luxury brand Denza has launched the upgraded Z9GT, offering something buyers rarely see: a lower price and significantly improved features. If what the company has announced holds true, the Tesla Model Y finally has a challenger that offers a better deal.
A serious price cut with even better specs
The battery electric variant now starts at 269,800 yuan ($39,150), down from 354,800 yuan, a 23.96 percent reduction. For that money, you get a CLTC range of up to 1,036 kilometers (644 mi), a new global record for pure electric models, and a 64 percent jump over the older model’s 630-kilometer (391 mi) range.
For comparison, the Tesla Model Y Premium Rear Wheel Drive edition costs $44,990 and offers a range of approximately 575 kilometers (357 mi). That means the new Z9GT is offering almost double the range at a lower cost.
Charging times that could change how you think about road trips
Range numbers are only part of the story. With BYD’s second-generation blade battery and ultra-fast flash-charging technology, the Z9GT BEV can go from 10% to 70% in only five minutes. A near-full charge from 10% to 97% takes only nine minutes. This is virtually unheard of in any electric car, and it gives BYD a significant advantage over its competitors.
The PHEV variant is no slouch either
The PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) now packs a 63.8-kWh battery pack, nearly doubling its predecessor’s pure electric range to 401 kilometers (249 km). Add a full tank, and you’re looking at a combined range of 1,301 kilometers (898 mi), a number that puts every one of its rivals to shame.
Smart tech to match the bigger battery
The new upgraded Z9GT comes equipped with the e3 intelligent vehicle control platform, God’s Eye 5.0 advanced driver assistance system, and the DiSus-A intelligent body control system, representing a meaningful step forward in real-world driving and safety.
Pricing and availability
BEV is offering Z9GT in five variants. BEV models are priced at 269,800 ($39,150), 299,800 ($43,465), and 369,800 ($53,610) yuan. The two PHEV variants start at 309,800 ($44,910) and 339,800 (49,260) yuan. Deliveries are expected to start in late March, and display vehicles are already arriving at showrooms.