Denza Z9 GT gets a cheaper tri-motor BEV version in China

Key highlights:

• Denza cuts the Z9 GT e3 price by 40,000 yuan in China with a new BEV variant
• Tri-motor system produces 850kW / 1,210Nm; same as the flagship BEV trim
• Australia gets the top-spec e3 Performance specification initially

Denza has launched a cheaper tri-motor version of the Z9 GT e3 Performance Edition in China, cutting 40,000 yuan (A$8,320) from the price while keeping its 850kW electric drivetrain. The new e3 Flash Charge trim costs 329,800 yuan (A$68,600), down from the top spec’s 369,800 yuan (A$76,930).

This price cut comes from equipment changes rather than a change to the core drivetrain.

China offers five distinct Z9 GT variants in the lineup, with two BEV variants and three PHEV variants, and every Z9 GT uses BYD’s Yi Sanfang (e3) technology platform, which integrates independent rear-wheel steering and crab-walking capability.

New Denza Z9 GT e3 Premium powertrain and range

The new, cheaper BEV variant uses the same core 850kW electric powertrain as the flagship, with an all-wheel-drive system and one electric motor at the front and two at the rear.

Denza combines the three motors with independent rear-wheel steering, and this gives the Z9 GT a 4.62-metre turning radius and supports low-speed pivot turns and automated parking.

The car also gets Denza’s DiSus-A intelligent air suspension and high-speed stability control functions.

The new Z9 GT e3 uses BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery, and Denza says the Flash Charging system can provide a substantial range top-up in five minutes and reach a full charge in nine minutes under suitable conditions.

Extreme cold adds three minutes to the charging time.

The charging hardware connects to BYD’s dedicated Flash Charging network, which passed 10,000 operational stations in China by late August 2026.

Also read: Denza Z9 GT comes closer to launch after ADR approval

How it compares with the Zeekr 001 AWD

The lower price puts the Z9 GT e3 Premium into the same price territory as the dual-motor Zeekr 001 AWD, which tops out at 329,800 yuan (A$68,600). But the Denza produces considerably more power.

At the same 329,800-yuan price, the Denza offers a 270kW (362hp) output advantage over the most powerful standard 001 AWD configuration.

What Denza changed to cut the price

The cheaper e3 Premium version keeps the Z9 GT’s powertrain, dimensions and fastback shooting-brake body, but cuts equipment instead.

The biggest mechanical change involves the brakes. The e3 Performance uses carbon-ceramic brake discs and 6-piston front brake callipers, while the cheaper e3 Premium switches to ventilated cast-iron discs and standard 4-piston front callipers.

The massive 21-inch wheels are replaced by smaller 20-inch wheels with more commuter-friendly tyres and an electronically limited top speed of 240 km/h, compared to the Performance model’s 270 km/h.

Denza also streamlines selected cabin equipment. 

Driver assistance remains unchanged, with DiPilot 5.0 providing city navigation on autopilot and automated parking.

Z9 GT sales climb in China

The new trim arrives after a sharp rise in Z9 GT domestic sales.

According to China EV DataTracker, retail deliveries climbed from 712 units in March 2026 to 3,969 in April and then reached 6,025 units in June before falling 11.3% month on month to 5,344 units in July.

The Z9 GT accounted for 29.6% of Denza’s domestic passenger-car sales in July, which made it one of the brand’s biggest volume contributors alongside the D9 MPV.

Australia gets the higher-specification version

Australia is initially set to receive a single tri-motor pure battery-electric Z9 GT variant which matches the e3 Performance version rather than the cheaper Chinese e3 Premium variant.

That means it gets the more expensive carbon-ceramic brakes, dual active refrigerators, a 26-speaker audio system and the complete electronic chassis control suite.

Local deliveries and sales of BYD’s Denza Z9 GT are confirmed to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.