The BYD Denza Z9S enters the market with impressive performance. 1100 km per charge according to CLTC standards.

In short:

BYD is increasingly targeting the premium segment

The car can impress with its exclusive features, but that’s not all

It is also the electric vehicle with the longest range among those produced in series

Specifically? 1,100 kilometers according to the CLTC standard, or 890 kilometers per the European WLTP cycle

What are the prices in China? Up to 185,000 złoty when converted

BYD Denza Z9S and a new benchmark

The BYD-owned brand Denza officially introduced the new Z9S model to the domestic market. It is a large premium sedan measuring 5.09 meters in length, positioned slightly below the already well-known Denza Z9. According to information published by CarNewsChina, the car’s prices start at 255,800 yuan and go up to 325,800 yuan. That translates to approximately $37,600 and $47,900 respectively, meaning the actual amounts are around 144,800 zł and 184,400 zł.

The most notable aspect is not the price but rather the claimed range. Depending on the version, the Denza Z9S offers between 780 and 1100 km according to the Chinese CLTC cycle. The manufacturer also provides approximate equivalents under the stricter WLTP cycle: 632 km, 745 km, and 891 km. The Flash Charge Flagship version equipped with a 122.5 kWh battery offers the greatest range.

The Denza Z9S currently boasts the longest range of any mass-produced electric vehicle, putting it in direct competition not only with Tesla but also with European premium manufacturers.

Luxury and performance in one

The Chinese sedan also aims to attract customers beyond just its specifications. The interior features a 17.3-inch central screen, a 13.2-inch instrument cluster, and a 50-inch HUD display. The manufacturer has used Nappa leather upholstery, suede trim on the ceiling, and the “God’s Eye 5.0” driver assistance system for urban and highway driving. In short, it’s luxurious.

The performance is also impressive. The three-motor powertrain generates 890 kW, or around 1194 horsepower, with a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of just 2.68 seconds. The vehicle features the second generation Blade Battery as well as CTB (Cell-to-Body) technology, which integrates the battery into the vehicle’s structure. The body uses steel and aluminum, while a flexible rear axle allows it to turn in spaces as small as 4.75 meters.

Cheaper than many premium rivals, a threat to Tesla

An interesting comparison is the price of the Denza Z9S versus the Tesla Model 3 produced in China. As CarNewsChina notes, both models cost similar amounts despite belonging to entirely different segments. The Tesla Model 3 is available in China for 235,500–339,500 yuan, while the Denza Z9S features a much larger body size and premium aspirations. The site points out that the debut of this new model could pose a real challenge to the American manufacturer, whose Model 3 had 20,787 buyers in the Chinese market as of August 2026.

Longest range in Europe. Who leads today?

While Chinese brands are already competing to exceed the 1000 km mark according to CLTC, Europe uses the WLTP standard, which is considered more stringent and closer to real-world driving conditions. The current leader is the Lucid Air Grand Touring, with an official WLTP range of 960 km. Right behind it is the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ with a WLTP range of 925 km, the BMW iX3 50 xDrive with a WLTP range of 805 km, and the Volkswagen ID.7 Pro S with 709 km.

It’s important to remember that direct comparison between Chinese CLTC figures and European WLTP figures is subject to error.

The most interesting long-range BEVs currently available in the Chinese market include the aforementioned Denza Z9S Flash Charge Flagship, which has a range of 1100 km per CLTC test and around 891 km per WLTP test. Its price is 275,800 yuan (40,600 USD), which is approximately 156,300 zł. There’s also the Zeekr 001 WE, which boasts a range of up to 1032 km per CLTC test thanks to its 140 kWh CATL Qilin battery. According to Chinese industry media, the Denza Z9 GT/Great Han has a range of between 1008 and 1036 km per CLTC test.

Oskar Włostowski