Denza Z9S expected to launch on September 23
BYD’s premium brand Denza is preparing to launch its new Z9S electric sedan. According to reports from China, the official presentation is scheduled for September 23, 2026, although this has yet to be confirmed through Denza’s official channels.
Pre-orders have been open since early August. Three variants are available, priced from 319,800 to 389,800 yuan. These prices apply exclusively to China and cannot be directly converted to prices for Germany, Austria or Switzerland because of taxes, equipment specifications and potential import costs.
Up to 1,100 km under China’s CLTC cycle
The three versions are rated for 780 km, 920 km or 1,100 km of CLTC range. Denza therefore describes the top model as the world’s longest-range series-production battery-electric vehicle. However, this is a manufacturer figure based on China’s comparatively optimistic CLTC test cycle.
A direct comparison with European WLTP figures is therefore not possible. Real-world range on long journeys is likely to be noticeably lower, particularly at high highway speeds or in winter temperatures. Nevertheless, the figure demonstrates the potential BYD aims to extract from a 102.3 kWh battery.
The 1,100 km figure is not a realistic highway promise for Europe, but it does set a new benchmark under China’s CLTC cycle.
Blade Battery with an extremely short charging time
All versions use BYD’s second-generation 102.3 kWh Blade Battery. According to Denza, the state of charge can rise from 10% to 70% in five minutes. After a total of nine minutes, it is expected to reach 97%.
Charging times like these require a sufficiently powerful charging station, a suitable battery temperature and ideal conditions. Another crucial factor in everyday use is how long the vehicle can sustain its high charging power. BYD is taking a similar approach with the Seal 06 featuring Flash Charging.
Denza Z9S offers up to 890 kW
| Specification | Denza Z9S |
|---|---|
| Battery | 102.3 kWh Blade Battery |
| Range | 780 to 1,100 km CLTC |
| Rear-wheel drive | 370 kW |
| All-wheel drive | 890 kW, three motors |
| Acceleration | 0 to 100 km/h in 2.68 seconds |
| Dimensions | 5.09 m long, 1.98 m wide, 1.49 m high |
| Wheelbase | 3.03 m |
| Trunk capacity | 470 liters plus a 120-liter frunk |
The base model is powered by a 370 kW motor on the rear axle. The all-wheel-drive version combines three motors for a total system output of 890 kW. This is expected to propel the sedan, which is more than five meters long, from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 2.68 seconds.
Rear-wheel steering makes the Z9S more maneuverable
The Z9S is based on Denza’s e3 technology and comes with rear-wheel steering as standard. The rear wheels can move independently by up to 5°. Among other things, this enables diagonal maneuvers and pivoting movements in confined spaces.
The minimum turning circle is claimed to be just 4.75 m, which would be impressive given the vehicle’s length. It also features the electronically controlled DiSus-A air suspension, designed to combine comfort with body control.
LiDAR and connected driver-assistance systems
A LiDAR sensor for the version 5.0 God’s Eye B driver-assistance system is mounted on the roof. The system is designed to support navigation-assisted driving on highways and in cities, as well as extensive parking functions. Its initial range of features is tailored to the Chinese market and would be subject to the relevant approval requirements in Europe.
For smartphone integration, Denza supports devices from Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Honor and Samsung, among others. Other equipment includes an electrically operated active rear spoiler, seven exterior colors and three interior options.
A rival for Xiaomi and Xpeng
In China, the Denza Z9S will compete with high-performance premium sedans such as the Xiaomi SU7 and the Xpeng P7. Denza is positioning the model above conventional mass-market vehicles but below many European luxury sedans.
It remains unclear whether the Z9S will come to Europe. However, BYD is gradually expanding Denza’s international presence, with large batteries and high charging power among its key technical selling points. This is also demonstrated by the announced Denza N8 with a 130 kWh battery.
For the DACH region—Germany, Austria and Switzerland—the technology therefore remains the main point of interest for now. If the promised charging times can be achieved consistently over multiple fast-charging stops, the Z9S could demonstrate how close large electric sedans can come to the travel convenience of short refueling stops.
