OtherSeptember 18, 2026

Denza Z9S: the electric car with the longest range in the world, really?

Gautier Bottet

To promote its new sedan, the Denza Z9S, BYD’s premium brand claims it offers the longest range in the market. But what is true in China may not hold when it launches in Europe.

BYD’s sedan lineup, which already includes the Z9 and Z9 GT, now gets a third model. The Z9S is actually a less imposing sedan, at 5.09 meters in length compared to the Z9 or Z9 GT, and competes with models like the Xiaomi SU7 or Xpeng P7. Its highest-performance version retains the three-motor architecture of its larger sibling, delivering 890 kW of power. The most popular and affordable versions will come with just one rear motor, producing 370 kW.

Also read

Denza Z9 GT Test: insane power and record-breaking charging, but what does BYD offer beyond the numbers?

Naturally, it features the full suite of technology from the Denza Z9 series, from the God’s Eye 5.0 semi-autonomous driving system to the Disus-A air suspension, including four-wheel steering. It also has a 470-liter trunk and a 120-liter frunk. Its competitors offer similar features, and Apple CarPlay in small-window mode (a first in the world) won’t change customers’ minds.

BYD thus brings out its big gun, and this time it’s not some completely useless driving feature like dancing or jumping over speed bumps... Equipped with a 102 kWh battery in its base model, the Denza Z9S also offers a 122 kWh version. This allows it to achieve a record range of 1100 km, something the manufacturer is particularly proud to claim as the best in the market. At least in China, based on CLTC range metrics.

Z9S RWD

Z9S RWD Long Range

Z9S AWD Tri-motor

Length

5090 mm

Width

1980 mm

Height

1490 mm

Wheelbase

3025 mm

Trunk Space

120 + 470 l

Power

370 kW

890 kW

Battery

102.3 kWh

122.5 kWh

102.3 kWh

Range (CLTC)

920 km

1,100 km

780 km

Converting this record 1,100 km range to WLTP standards should result in the Z9S having around 900 km of range when it arrives in Europe. This is similar to the BMW i3 50 xDrive: 108 kWh and 906 km. Will the Z9S be first or second? It’s hard to say at this stage. Moreover, there are few comparisons available since the BMW i3 isn’t yet offered in China with its larger battery. On the other hand, this Chinese sedan boasts a feature that competitors don’t yet offer: its Flash Charge technology. It can charge from 10% to 70% in 5 minutes and from 10% to 97% in just 9 minutes, at BYD charging stations being deployed in both China and Europe.

In China, the Z9S in its long-range version is priced at 349,800 RMB, which is equivalent to 45,400 €. This is only 10,000 RMB (1,300 €) more than the BMW i3 eDrive 40L with a range of 625 km and without Fast Charge. Will BYD dare to directly compete with the i3 in Europe next year with such a competitive price?