Always wanted to buy a Porsche Taycan but can’t afford it? Well, BYD has had the tracing paper out and come up with a cheaper alternative called the Denza Z9GT. It’s just been confirmed for Australia.
The facts and figures here are mind-blowing, even if the exterior design is a blatant copy of the Taycan (in my opinion). This will be the first model to launch in Australia with BYD’s latest Blade Battery 2.0 technology.
Yep, that means Flash charging capability. As previously reported, the system is able to recharge at up to 1500kW. The issue is, there are currently no 1500kW chargers in Australia but that will likely change in the future.
Denza claims recharging from 10-97 per cent takes around 9 minutes at that max charging rate, which is almost the time it takes to refill a petrol or diesel vehicle. And then at full charge it offers a range of 1036km on the Chinese CLTC cycle.
NEDC/WLTP cycles are usually more realistic, meaning a lower figure is likely for Australian ADR specs. For reference, this Z9GT has a WLTP range of 599km in Europe – quite a difference. Even so, the Z9GT will offer a decent range at the current standards, locally.
It’ll also be one of the quickest passenger cars on sale, with a three-motor system belting out around 850kW (1156PS) and 1210Nm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes a claimed 2.7 seconds in overseas specification. Final Australia specs are yet to be finalised. The top speed is 269km/h in overseas form.
The Z9GT will also debut BYD’s SiSus-A air suspension system, which pairs with the e3 platform to offer complete adaptability. Overseas models are also fitted with a carbon-ceramic braking package. Tyre wear is expected to be very high, however, given it weighs around 3000kg and offers this much power. Interestingly, Denza says the car is able to adapt to a tyre blowout, saying:
“Even when the unfortunate happens, such as a tyre blowout which can occur when driving long distances on Australian roads. The onboard software helps manage a blowout at highway speeds2 in milliseconds by actively controlling power delivery, steering behaviour and braking at the same time.”
In overseas form, passengers are treated to a 17.3-inc central touch-screen multimedia system, two additional 13.2-inch screens, a 50-inch augmented head-up display, 10-point seat massage system, twin 50W wireless phone chargers in the back, and an 1150W Devialet sound system. Final local specs are yet to be confirmed. There’s also a 495L/1680L boot at the back and 53L front boot.
Interested punters can start getting their funds together now, as deliveries are scheduled to commence during the third quarter of 2026. Prices are yet to be confirmed but we’d anticipate a price of around $80,000-90,000.
