Denza Z9 GT Convertible: BYD’s 1,000 HP Electric Hypercar Debuts at Beijing Auto Show
BYD’s luxury brand Denza has ignited the high-performance electric vehicle segment with the global debut of the Denza Z9 GT Convertible at the Beijing Auto Show. Unveiled as a production-ready soft-top drop-top, this four-seat electric hypercar is engineered to directly challenge European luxury stalwarts, positioning itself as a rival to the Porsche 911 Cabriolet and Maserati GranCabrio Folgore. The debut of the Z9 GT Convertible is seen as a watershed moment for the global auto industry, signifying Denza’s aggressive push into the million-dollar luxury supercar segment.
The headline feature is the incredible performance packed into this luxury GT. The Denza Z9 GT Convertible is built on BYD’s advanced e³ platform, utilizing a tri-motor all-wheel drive setup to deliver an astounding output of over 1,000 horsepower (over 745kW). This extreme power allows the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in less than 2.0 seconds, making it one of the fastest road cars currently announced. It is equipped with BYD’s new Blade Battery and Flash Charging 2.0 system, which enables ultra-rapid charging at up to 1,500 kW, capable of recharging the battery in as little as five minutes. For handling, the chassis features the DiSus-M intelligent magnetorheological suspension system, a technology engineered specifically for high-performance vehicles. This system provides predictive road-sensing and full chassis control, while the steer-by-wire system and active rear steering enable unique maneuvers like “crab walk” and a “Compass Turn” (360-degree rotation).
The stunning design of the Z9 GT Convertible, which measures 5.18 meters in length, was led by renowned German automotive designer Wolfgang Egger. The low-slung silhouette and clean surfacing leverage the electric underpinnings to achieve the proportions of an exotic, front-engined sports car. The four-seat cabin is expected to mirror the flagship Z9 GT, featuring premium materials and high-end infotainment, with the display model presented in an exclusive “Fiorentine” green colourway. Denza is prioritizing international markets, aiming for a dynamic global launch for the Z model at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK this July, with European sales kicking off before the domestic launch in China.
Crucially for regional markets, the Denza brand has officially confirmed the Malaysian arrival of the related luxury wagon, the Denza Z9 GT Shooting Brake. Positioned as the brand’s flagship shooting brake to rival models like the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, the Z9 GT is slated to launch in Malaysia as early as Q2 2026. The Malaysian-bound EV variant is expected to offer a tri-motor setup producing up to 965 PS (952 hp) and a 0-100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds. This luxury wagon offers practical agility thanks to a 20-degree rear-wheel steering system, which provides a tight 4.62-meter turning radius and enables advanced maneuvers like “crab walking” for navigating tight city spots. With both the high-performance Z9 GT Shooting Brake and the extreme Z9 GT Convertible leading the charge, Denza is set to redefine the global luxury EV segment.
