BYD updates Denza Z9 GT with more power and more range

08 February 2026

The update cycle of Chinese EVs is turning at quite a pace. Just as drivers were getting used to the original specs of the Denza Z9 GT, BYD has decided that "enough" simply isn't in their vocabulary. The latest updates for this sleek station wagon bring power numbers that sound more like they belong in a racecar rather than a family-friendly car.

The all-electric all-wheel-drive version of the updated Denza Z9 GT now pumps out 850 kW. That's 1,140 hp in a family car. This is a jump of 188 hp compared to the version that was already scaring people last year. This electric wagon has more power than many multi-million dollar supercars.

The tri-motor setup consists of one 230 kW motor at the front and two 310 kW motors at the rear. If you keep your foot down, this heavy machine will top out at 270 km/h. Denza certainly wins the title of the world's fastest luxury hotel room on wheels.

But since not everyone is ready to go full electric, BYD updated the plug-in hybrid variant as well. It now features a 63.82 kWh battery pack - nearly double the size of the previous one. This allows for a pure electric range of 249 miles on the CLTC cycle.

The PHEV uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine combined with three electric motors. That engine delivers 152 kW, the front electric motor adds 200 kW, and two electric motors in the rear chime in with 220 kW each. The total output is rated at 858 horsepower - enough to push this large wagon all the way to 143 mph.

You might need a magnifying glass to spot the exterior changes, but they are there. The most obvious one is the new LiDAR sensor, which has moved from the fenders to a "watchtower" position at the top of the windshield. This gives the car a better view of the road for its advanced self-driving features.

There is also a new paint color called Fjord Green. It's a nice, sophisticated choice for those who want to look eco-friendly while they are accidentally breaking the speed limit. Additionally, a new blue indicator light now glows when the driver assistance systems are active, letting everyone else know the car is doing some of the thinking for you.

The Denza Z9 GT is a big car. It's long, wide, and low, giving it that "shooting brake" look that car enthusiasts love to talk about. It is 204.5 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, 58.7 inches tall and its wheelbase stretches to 123 inches. And yes, it is a heavy car as well - the rear-wheel-drive version alone tips the scales at 5,952 lb.

Inside, the refreshed Z9 continues to be a tech-lover's dream. It still has the unique features like the dual refrigerators - one in the front and a larger one in the back. It also keeps its "party tricks" like the "crab walk" and "compass turn," which let the car move sideways or spin on the spot. You might actually never use these to escape a tight parking spot, but they are great for showing off to your neighbors.

The price for all this madness stays as competitive as ever, hovering around the £36,000 to £51,000 mark depending on the trim. It isn't cheap, but it costs about half as much as the German luxury wagons it is trying to beat.

Via