Denza Z9GT brings 850kW performance and 9 min charging to NZ

China's answer to the Porsche Taycan, the Denza Z9GT electric grand tourer, has been confirmed for New Zealand, with the brand announcing its flagship performance EV will arrive in local showrooms in the third quarter of 2026.

Denza – the premium arm of BYD – also earlier confirmed its Australian and European launch, with the Z9GT set to be its first model offered in the European market.

Revealed as one of the headline acts at the 2026 Melbourne motor show, the Z9GT represents Denza’s most ambitious model yet, promising high performance figures with next-generation battery and charging technology.

Under the skin, the Z9GT rides on Denza’s new e3 platform, which features a three-motor setup. Total system output is expected to be around 850kW, enabling a claimed 0-100km/h time of 2.7 seconds, placing the grand tourer’s performance firmly in supercar territory.

The platform also features advanced vehicle control systems, including the DiSus-A air suspension. Denza says this system can actively manage stability in extreme scenarios, including tyre blowouts at highway speeds.

In overseas CLTC testing, the Z9GT delivers a claimed driving range of approximately 820km. This figure will likely differ under WLTP testing.

The Z9GT will also introduce new hardware to the New Zealand market, becoming the first EV locally to feature BYD’s ‘Blade Battery 2.0’ and ‘FLASH’ ultra-fast charging system.

According to the brand, FLASH charging is capable of peak rates of up to 1500kW DC, allowing the Z9GT to recharge from 10 to 97 per cent in around nine minutes under ideal conditions. Denza says this could add hundreds of kilometres of driving range in the time it takes to grab a coffee.

Local rollout of FLASH charging infrastructure will begin alongside the vehicle’s launch, with the first compatible chargers expected at selected Denza dealerships by the end of 2026.

Design of the Z9GT has been led by Wolfgang Egger, with the exterior and interior is said to be shaped by a global team of more than 1200 designers and engineers. 

Inside, the Z9GT features a heavily technology-focused interior, headlined by a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display, nappa leather upholstery, massaging and ventilated seats, 128-colour ambient lighting, an integrated refrigerator and Devialet audio system. 

Denza Australia chief operating officer Mark Harland said the Z9GT positions the brand as a serious contender in the global luxury EV space.

“The Denza Z9GT proves that electrification can deliver not just efficiency, but exhilarating performance, extraordinary safety and genuine long-distance usability,” he said.

“New Zealand is a market that demands performance without compromise, and the Z9GT has been engineered to meet or exceed expectations.”

Currently, the Denza B8 six-seat is the most expensive model offered in New Zealand, priced at $117,990 plus on-road costs. Meanwhile, the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo – which the Denza Z9GT would compete directly with – starts from $250,800 plus on-road costs.

Final New Zealand pricing and detailed specifications will be announced closer to the model’s launch in Q3 2026.