850 kW without the full luxury package
Denza will expand the electric Z9 GT lineup on September 9, 2026, with an additional e3 version. The new all-wheel-drive model adopts the existing flagship’s powertrain with three electric motors, 850 kW of power, and 1,210 Nm of torque.
Instead, savings are expected to come from selected comfort and performance components. The BYD subsidiary is therefore targeting customers who want the powerful tri-motor drivetrain but do not need every luxury option offered by the e3 Performance.
The new version is expected to reduce equipment levels, but not the electric powertrain’s output.
Price intended to fill a major gap in the lineup
In China, there is currently a price gap of 70,000 yuan between the Z9 GT RWD Flagship at 299,800 yuan and the e3 Performance at 369,800 yuan. Market observers expect the new version to cost around 329,800 to 339,800 yuan. Denza plans to announce the final price at the launch.
| Version | Drivetrain | Power | Price in China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base EV | Rear-wheel drive | 370 kW | 269,800 yuan |
| RWD Flagship | Rear-wheel drive | 370 kW | 299,800 yuan |
| New e3 version | Three motors, all-wheel drive | 850 kW | Expected to be 329,800 to 339,800 yuan |
| e3 Performance | Three motors, all-wheel drive | 850 kW | 369,800 yuan |
A direct conversion into a potential German retail price would not be particularly meaningful. Taxes, import costs, equipment, and market positioning differ considerably. The Z9 GT has been announced for Europe at a price of around €115,000.
Three motors and rear-wheel steering remain
A 230 kW electric motor powers the front axle, while the rear axle has two motors producing 310 kW each. This configuration allows torque to be distributed precisely between the rear wheels, potentially improving both traction and agility.
The package also includes the Blade Battery 2.0, an 800-volt architecture, and Flash Charging. The exact charging power of the new version remains unknown. Our comparison of 800-volt and 400-volt electric-car architectures explains why high voltage alone does not guarantee short charging stops.
The rear wheels can turn by up to 10 degrees in either direction. At low speeds, this reduces the turning circle, while at higher speeds the technology can help improve stability. BYD is also using similar Flash Charging technology in the upcoming BYD Seal 06.
Less equipment rather than a detuned drivetrain
The e3 Performance includes carbon-ceramic brakes, two actively cooled storage compartments, and power-adjustable rear seats with a massage function. The more affordable version is instead expected to feature ventilated cast-iron brake discs and a simplified comfort package. However, its full standard equipment has not yet been confirmed.
This version should not be confused with a development vehicle recently spotted at the Nürburgring. That prototype was apparently used for racetrack testing, whereas the new model is intended as a regular retail trim level.
Europe remains a separate market
In China, the rear-wheel-drive version with the longest range is rated at up to 1,036 km under the more generous CLTC test cycle used in China. That would roughly correspond to around 850 km under conditions closer to WLTP, but it is not an officially homologated WLTP figure. For the particularly powerful versions, the European range is more likely to be around 600 km WLTP.
It is not yet known whether the more affordable e3 version will later come to Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. However, Denza is clearly expanding its international portfolio, including with the large Denza N8 and its high-performance electric platform.
Z9 GT remains an important sales driver for Denza
In China, monthly sales of the shooting brake rose from 712 vehicles in March to 6,025 units in June. In July, they fell by 11.3% to 5,344 vehicles. The Z9 GT still accounted for 29.6% of Denza’s sales in China.
A single weaker month does not yet indicate a sustained decline in demand, particularly after a rapid production ramp-up. Nevertheless, the additional version broadens the lineup and brings the Z9 GT closer in price to the Zeekr 001 AWD. With a maximum output of 850 kW, the Denza offers 270 kW more power on paper than the Zeekr’s most powerful version.
