Denza Z9S launched in China from RM 155k, 0-100 km/h in just 2.68 seconds

BYD's premium luxury brand Denza has officially launched the new Denza Z9S, an all-electric luxury fastback, in China.

The latest addition to the Z9 family joins the Z9GT, giving Denza two distinct models with very different personalities. While the Z9GT is aimed more at performance, the Z9S is positioned as a pure-electric sports sedan designed around a more mainstream look and everyday driving.

Three variants are available, with official prices ranging from RMB 255,800 to RMB 325,800 (around RM 155k to RM 198k).

Exterior

The Denza Z9S introduces a new design language called "Elegance in motion", with smooth body lines and a pronounced fastback roofline.

Up front, the Z9S gets Dual-Star headlights, inspired by meteors crossing the night sky, giving the front end a distinctive light signature.

Along the sides, the car features frameless doors, semi-hidden door handles and yellow brake calipers, adding a sportier touch.

The Z9S measures 5,090 mm long, 1,980 mm wide and 1,490 mm tall, with a 3,025 mm wheelbase.

Interior

Inside, the Z9S takes a more lounge-like approach, with a wraparound cabin designed around comfort.

All seats come with ventilation, heating and massage functions as standard, while the upholstery gets diamond-pattern quilting and perforated detailing. The rear floor is also completely flat.

For the audio system, Denza has fitted a premium Devialet sound system, along with a suede headliner and panoramic sunroof.

The car also comes with the Diva intelligent assistant, with voice interaction designed to feel more natural. It is also the first production model to introduce Apple CarPlay in a floating-window format, giving iPhone users another way to access their apps while using the car's own interface.

Powertrain and range

The Z9S combines BYD's latest battery and charging technology with serious performance.

The car uses BYD's second-generation Blade Battery and flash-charging technology, with a claimed CLTC range of up to 1,100 km.

Denza says the system can add enough charge in five minutes, while a nine-minute charge can take the battery to around 100%. Even at temperatures as low as -30°C, charging reportedly takes only three minutes longer.

Performance is also serious. The Z9S produces up to 1,210 PS, with a claimed 0–100 km/h time of just 2.68 seconds.

Despite its size, the car has a minimum turning radius of just 4.75 metres. It also gets BYD's e³ technology, including a dedicated drift mode for drivers who want to try controlled drifting.

Driver assistance

For driver assistance, the Z9S comes with BYD's latest DiPilot 5.0 intelligent driving system.

Built around a closed-loop end-to-end large model with reinforcement learning, the system supports Urban Navigate on Autopilot, Highway Navigate on Autopilot and full-scenario automated parking assistance.

What about Malaysia?

BYD and Denza have been expanding their presence in Malaysia, and the Z9S would certainly bring a different proposition to the local luxury EV market if it eventually makes its way here.

With its 1,100 km CLTC range, 1,210 PS and five-minute flash-charging capability, the Z9S has plenty of numbers to get attention. For now, however, there is no confirmation of a Malaysian launch.