Denza Z9 GT Makes Surprise Teaser Appearance In Malaysia – Coming Soon?

Making a surprise appearance during the Denza D9 launch event, albeit briefly, earlier today was the sleek and sporty Denza Z9 GT shooting brake.

Besides the star product launch of the day in the form of the Denza D9 EV MPV, Denza Malaysia also sprang a surprise to local press – and guests – in attendance earlier today with a brief teaser showcase of the Denza Z9 GT.

 The sleek and sporty ‘shooting brake’ was shown in Malaysia for the first time during the Denza D9 launch, and perhaps stands as a signal of things to come. The brief tease even included a demonstration of the sporty estate’s unique ability to ‘crab walk’ at up to 15 degrees (see embedded video below).

The chance for an up-close inspection eluded us, but a quick chat with Denza Malaysia insiders indicate that the Z9 GT shown today was the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant – not the fully-electric (EV) version that we’ve detailed prior. Nevertheless, this isn’t bad news entirely.

In PHEV form the Z9 GT  adopts BYD’s potent DM-p electrified powertrain setup that sees a 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl petrol mill serving as a generator to charge a 38.5 kWh LFP ‘Blade’ battery pack and subsequently juice a trio of e-motors. Total system outputs stand as a whopping 870 PS.

The setup enables 0-100 KM/H dashes done in just 3.6 secs and, more astoundingly, it also yields a claimed total range of 1,100 KM including up to 201 KM of pure-electric range too. Even with the battery depleted, Denza also touts the Z9 GT PHEV at being able to sip as low as 5.6 litres/100 KM on average too.

The variant teased today was the Denza Z9 GT PHEV, says insiders. This version packs both a peppy 4-cyl turbo mill and a trio of e-motors to output 870 PS and despatch 0-100 KM/H in just 3.6 secs.

Of course, the EV version ups the ante further as the same trio of e-motors in this guise puts out 963 PS and 710 NM instead to enable an even quicker 3.4-sec century sprint time. The EV version also boasts a 100 kWh battery pack instead, which in turn promises up to 630 KM of CLTC-rated range.

Again, Denza Malaysia were quick to hide the Z9 GT away from prying eyes – and hands – for a closer look. However, given what the luxury sub-brand from BYD has released online prior, there’s indeed much to look forward to beneath this sleek and stylish shooting brake’s pretty exterior.

Our last encounter with the Denza Z9 GT in full-electric (EV) guise in China.

Firstly, the cabin is decked out with screens covering the entire dash – instrument panel, central infotainment, and passenger-size display. The screen count can be increased further thanks to two additional displays that comes with when the optional side-view cameras (instead of mirrors).

There’s also a ‘zero-gravity’ lie-flat front passenger seat, Devialet audio suite with rising speakers, two fridges, and panoramic glass roof. Expect a high degree of semi-autonomous driving abilities too thanks to fully-loaded list of Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) features.

Typical of BYD's luxury sub-brand, the Denza Z9 GT also boasts a cabin that's both very upmarket and high-tech.

When execs from both Denza regional and Denza Malaysia were queried about their intent with today’s teaser, they did cryptically hinted that the Z9 GT could be launched locally, but this all greatly depends on when Denza begins production of the model's right-hand-drive (RHD) version.

Well, what do you folks think? Would you prefer this electrified Chinese sport-wagon over something like the electrified Porsche Panamera? Would you even prefer the all-electric version of which over things like the equalling Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo?

Hit the comments below with your take on things…