BYD’s Denza Z9 GT Claims Impressive 1,000km EV range

Chinese EV giant BYD has unveiled one of the longest-range electric vehicles yet, with its premium brand Denza revealing the new Denza Z9 GT – a luxury electric grand tourer claiming more than 1,000 kilometres of driving range.

According to figures published in China, the Z9 GT can travel up to 1,036km on the CLTC test cycle, putting it among the longest-range production EVs ever announced.

The new model represents a major technological push for BYD as it expands into the high-end EV segment currently dominated by premium players such as Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, and luxury electric offerings from Mercedes-Benz.

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Breaking the 1,000km EV range barrier

The Denza Z9 GT’s headline figure comes from its largest 122kWh battery pack, which uses BYD’s Blade battery technology based on lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry.

Two battery options will be available:

• 102kWh battery – up to 820km CLTC range (~683km WLTP)
• 122kWh battery – up to 1,036km CLTC range (~863km WLTP)

However, it’s important to note that China’s CLTC testing cycle typically produces higher range estimates than other global standards such as WLTP or the EPA cycle.

Industry analysts suggest the real-world range could translate to roughly 700–800km under WLTP conditions, which would still place the Z9 GT among the longest-range EVs available globally.

That kind of range would make the car particularly attractive for long-distance touring – a key design goal for the sleek electric wagon.

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Power, performance and next-generation tech

Beyond range, the Z9 GT also delivers serious performance.

The model will be offered with two drivetrain configurations:

• Single-motor rear-wheel drive producing 370kW
• Tri-motor all-wheel drive delivering a combined 850kW

The tri-motor setup slightly reduces range due to its higher performance output, but it remains capable of around 1,002km on the CLTC cycle.

The Z9 GT also introduces a range of new technologies:

• Roof-mounted lidar integrated into Denza’s “God’s Eye” advanced driver-assistance system
• Aerodynamically optimised wheel designs to reduce cabin noise
• A shooting-brake grand-tourer body style aimed at long-distance comfort rather than track performance

One of the most ambitious features is charging capability.

Denza claims the Z9 GT is compatible with BYD’s next-generation 1,500kW flash-charging infrastructure, allowing the battery to recharge from about 10% to 97% in roughly nine minutes under ideal conditions.

If those numbers hold true outside laboratory conditions, it could dramatically reduce long-distance charging stops for EV drivers.

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Could the Denza Z9 GT come to Australia?

While the Z9 GT has so far been revealed for the Chinese market, Australia may eventually be part of Denza’s global expansion plans.

The brand originally launched as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz, and has since evolved into BYD’s premium electric division.

Denza already has one vehicle cleared for local sale – the Denza D9 electric luxury people mover – suggesting the brand is seriously considering an Australian presence.

If the Z9 GT were to arrive here, it would likely target premium EV buyers currently looking at vehicles such as:

• Tesla Model S
• Porsche Taycan
• Mercedes-Benz EQE

With its enormous range claims and ultra-fast charging capabilities, the Denza Z9 GT could shake up expectations in Australia’s growing premium EV segment.

What this means for Australia’s EV market

The unveiling of the Denza Z9 GT highlights how rapidly EV technology is advancing – particularly in China.

Just a few years ago, a 500km range EV was considered impressive. Now manufacturers are targeting four-digit range figures, alongside dramatically faster charging times.

For Australia, developments like this could help tackle two of the biggest barriers to EV adoption:

• Range anxiety
• Long charging stops on highway trips

If models like the Z9 GT eventually reach international markets, they could reshape consumer expectations and push other manufacturers to accelerate battery and charging innovations.

With BYD already gaining strong momentum in Australia through vehicles like the BYD Atto 3 and BYD Seal, the arrival of Denza would also signal a major push into the premium end of the EV market.