The car will be released this year
The luxury flagship from Mercedes-Benz and BYD, called the Denza Z9 GT, was spotted in China during road tests. This competitor to the Porsche Panamera is already preparing for an official launch in the second half of this year. The Z9 GT will also reach Europe next year.
Denza was founded in 2010 as a 50/50 joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz. In this joint venture, BYD was responsible for technology and production, and Mercedes-Benz was in charge of design. Over time, Mercedes' share dropped to 10%.
Weibo users have dubbed this model the Darth Vader Edition due to its black styling. However, there are still some bright elements, such as the red brake calipers. Other features of the Denza Z9 GT are retractable door handles, cameras instead of mirrors, sharp headlights and a sporty rear spoiler.
The car does not have additional lidar sensors, which suggests that this is the base trim level. It has a millimeter wave radar installed in the front. The Z9 GT features a sloping roofline and multi-spoke wheels. The rear part received elongated taillights.
Users will be offered a hybrid and an electric car of the same size 5180 x 1990 x 1500 mm with a wheelbase of 3125 mm. Buyers can choose between 20- or 21-inch wheels.
The electric vehicle will be equipped with three electric motors producing 710 kW (952 hp). The PHEV version offers three electric motors of 640 kW (858 hp), complemented by a 2-liter internal combustion engine with 152 kW (203 hp).
PHEV Denza Z9 GT will offer versions with and without lidar. Some versions will have three lidar units, including one on the roof and two in the bumper. An air suspension will also be available, allowing the height of the car to be reduced to 1480 mm. The Denza Z9 GT will be equipped with a panoramic roof and an electric wing. The new car will be equipped with CTB body battery integration technology and a high-end intelligent driving assistance system «Eye of God» DiPilot 300, which works when driving around the city, high-speed highways and complex junctions. The Yi Sanfang platform allows for rear wheel steering. The minimum turning radius is within 5 meters.