BYD recently attempted to break free from the usual unbeatable formula for Chinese EVs. Instead of being extremely cheap while offering advanced performance, BYD’s Denza Z9 GT EV announced a six-figure price tag and boasted that it should be categorized with other luxury automakers, like Porsche. But the reviews are in, and it can’t keep up.
The Denza Z9 GT EV looks insanely stylish and boasts 1,140 horsepower, two things that made it seem worthy of its “James Bond” marketing plan over in Europe. But when BYD announced a $135,000 price tag, I was automatically skeptical. Without the selling point of being much cheaper than the competition, could a Chinese EV win over Europeans who drive Porsche, Audi, and Mercedes? It would have to take them down with performance, style, and quality alone.
And car enthusiasts are not convinced it can.
Porsche does not have to worry about the Denza Z9 GT EV
There is no denying that the Denza Z9 GT EV has some insane specs. It’s very, very fast thanks to its 1,100-plus horsepower, and it charges faster than most other EVs available in Europe. There is no denying that it’s impressive in some aspects. However, I think a six-figure EV would need to be perfect to make drivers switch from trusted European brands.
And it’s nowhere near.
While it’s fast, car reviewers over in the UK felt it was held back by its weight. Autocar said the excitement wears off after that initial 0-60 moment, when boost mode no longer matters. It feels almost “subdued”, and the nose will even lift “significantly” at high speeds. The brake is strong, but the pedal has to travel a far distance before you can fully stop such a heavy car. While it felt smooth at highway speeds, it felt almost forced to lurch forward at lower speeds.
Car Magazine noted that you can definitely feel its weight, causing a lot of body roll at higher speeds, and the steering communication is numb. They added: “Not the most important thing on a car of this type, granted, but worth considering when the Porsche Taycan exists and with much more driver enjoyment.”
The interior is another sore spot for luxury EV buyers. It feels like pretty nice quality throughout, with seats that recline, heat, cool, and massage — all the necessities for those spending top dollar on comfort. However, the infotainment system has become the biggest selling point for those in the market for luxury. And the Denza Z9 GT EV’s infotainment system is sorta garbage. Autocar noted that the infotainment screen feels like a cheap Android tablet. Car Magazine said the system prioritizes functionality over user-friendliness. That feeling of electronics falling short carries throughout the cabin.
Noted Autocar: “Ultimately, there are oddities that prevent it from feeling like a Porsche rival. The doors are electrically operated and the aperture it opens up is sometimes inconsistent, there are very unassured bits if you look (like the vanity mirror cover held up via magnet) and the touchscreen, while useful, has pretty standard fonts from an Android operating system, a few erroneous capital letters and there’s even a file manager — a bit like when the McDonald’s ordering screens aren’t working and it defaults to its operating system.”
That’s the thing: it’s a newcomer in a space that’s already dominated by luxury options that offer more. And in some cases, for less. Being able to crabwalk into a parking spot is very cool, but it won’t be a selling point if the quality and performance are worse. The Denza Z9 GT EV is quick, comfortable, and has okay range. It charges in just nine minutes. But these kinds of gimmicks just won’t cut it. Most people are not even looking to charge their EV in eight, nine minutes. They’re fine with the 20 minutes, as long as the rest of the vehicle feels luxurious at every angle and at every speed.
The Denza Z9 GT EV does not feel premium despite its premium price tag. I personally don’t think it will be a concern for brands like Porsche. While China dominates the cheap EV segment, I don’t think it has perfected the luxury EV segment just yet. But once a Chinese automaker figures it out, these European brands may be cooked.
Said one driver on X: “Can’t see it. Why do people buy Porsches? The racing pedigree that track tech translated to the road, superior quality, everyday luxury practicality, driver vanity, customization options, and the emotional connection with the brand. Who is Denza?”
