The high-end electric Denza Z9GT grand tourer has cleared Australian Design Rule (ADR) approval, getting over the last big regulatory hurdle before the BYD-backed, premium-focused brand can take on established European luxury marques down under. That also means some extra details about the 850kW shooting brake are now out in the open. 

The Z9GT had already been slated for its Aussie release in the third quarter of this year, and the clearing of the certification process usually sends a clear signal that the model is about to reach dealerships. Once it’s officially on sale, the high-performance EV will be the first model sold down under to run BYD’s next-generation Blade 2.0 battery and FLASH charging tech.

5

A look at the details of Denza’s ADR approval documents reveals some previously unconfirmed specs around dimensions and mass. Tare mass is 2930kg, with gross mass at 3400kg. The Z9GT will be 5180mm long, 1990mm wide and 1490mm high, with a wheelbase of 3125mm. Running clearance is listed at 125mm, the vehicle is not rated for braked towing, and the previously reported 850kW output from the tri-motor setup is confirmed.

Designed to compete with vehicles like the Porsche Taycan, BMW M5 Touring and Audi RS6 Avant, the Denza’s huge power and immense 1210Nm of torque might scream sport with a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 2.7 seconds, but it leans more into comfort, technology and refinement – not to mention undercutting the European stars on price.

In our review back in April, WhichCar by Wheels found the Z9GT made a strong impression with its spacious, high-quality cabin. It comes with leather upholstery, wood trims, outstanding rear-seat room due to the long wheelbase, a built-in refrigerator and massaging seats. 

Denza’s flagship will debut the brand’s advanced DiSus-A air suspension system, which is claimed to be capable of managing a tyre blowout at highway speeds with its ability to lift wheels independently. BYD claims it can also increase stiffness by up to 200 per cent in challenging conditions such as high-speed cornering.

5

While the ADR information doesn’t cover battery capacity and range, Denza has previously stated that the Z9GT will get 1036km of range (CLTC) with a 122.5kWh LFP battery. Charging comes at a claimed top rate of 10 to 97 per cent in just nine minutes with the FLASH system. In May, BYD chief operating officer Mark Harland said FLASH will trickle down to other models in the Denza range, “and further in the future, probably BYD”. The first parts of the Aussie FLASH network are coming to Denza dealerships in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Pricing also isn’t covered by the ADR reveal, but it should be one of the most expensive Chinese-made cars on the Aussie market. Speculation has put the hip-pocket hit at more than $100,000 – but still comfortably below its European competitors.