BYD CEO Claims Z9 GT Is 'Ten Times Superior' to Luxury Competitors | Carscoops

      The brand established by BYD and Daimler is making its debut in Europe with the Z9 GT, a performance-oriented wagon that resembles a Porsche Panamera.

      BYD's confident Vice President asserts that the Denza premium brand's vehicles are 'ten times better' than competitors' offerings. Stella Li claims that Denza outshines established rivals in areas like technology, comfort, and value.

      Denza is set to enter the European market this year with the Panamera-inspired Z9 GT shooting brake and the D9 minivan.

      Entering an established market with a new brand is a bold decision that lacks guarantees of success. However, BYD chief Stella Li expresses no uncertainty about Denza's prospects in Europe. In a recent interview, she stated that Denza's new models are 'ten times better' than those from competitors such as Mercedes, Audi, BMW, and potentially even Porsche.

      Li finds encouragement in BYD's progress in Europe with its electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Nevertheless, Denza targets a distinct audience that values image and status. Positioned as a premium brand between the mainstream BYD and the high-end YangWang, Denza aims to challenge established European brands like Mercedes, which could be a source of embarrassment for Benz considering Denza's origins as a BYD-Daimler partnership before BYD continued independently.

      The Z9 GT is expected to be the first Denza model on European roads later this year and will provide a coupe-like alternative to models like the Audi A6 and A6 e-tron Avant, as well as the BMW 5-Series and i5 Touring. The Z9, a sporty shooting brake with a Porsche Panamera-like silhouette designed by former Alfa Romeo and Lamborghini designer Wolfgang Egger, features a triple-motor setup producing 952 hp (965 PS / 710 kW), with an 858 hp (870 PS / 640 kW) 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid also available.

      'This car is truly ten times better than the competition,' Li stated during the Denza brand launch at Milan Design Week. 'We have many unique features that other legacy brands lack.'

      The defining features of Denza extend beyond competitive pricing; however, one can anticipate that Denza's vehicles will provide more standard equipment at a significantly lower price point to attract buyers. Technology remains a primary focus: the Z9 can maneuver into parking spots and navigate tight turns in a way not found in premium Western vehicles (watch the video below).

      'We are confident that buyers will appreciate the distinct and unique appeal of the car's combination of sophisticated and elegant design, impressive performance, and remarkable technology,' Li noted, emphasizing that Denza's superior customer service will be crucial in gaining market share.

      European pricing is yet to be revealed, but in China, the Z9 GT has a starting price of 334,800 yuan and goes up to 414,800 yuan (approximately $45,800 to $56,800). This presents a significant value proposition when comparing it to the Panamera Sport Turismo and Taycan Cross Turismo, which start at 1,008,000 yuan ($138,000) and can exceed 1,500,000 yuan ($205,000) depending on options.