Customers in China never showed much interest towards BYD’s Denza Z9 saloon, so the company scrapped it and announced a new model called the Z9S as a replacement. Despite the similar-sounding name, it’s an all-new vehicle.
The new sedan has stacked headlights with elongated DRLs in the upper section, rather slim taillights, frameless doors, and a trunk lid spoiler. It’s fairly large at 5,090 x 1,980 x 1,490 millimeters with 3,125 mm between the axles, but not as large as the discontinued Z9. Despite this, the trunk size now amounts to 470 liters, up nearly 100 liters from the Z9.
The interior seems strongly inspired by yet another Denza model, the Z9 GT hatchback. Similarities include the layout, the three-spoke steering wheel, the front panel and the dashboard. All passenger seats have magnets in front of them for adding a touchscreen (paid option). Seat ventilation, heating and massage are all listed as standard, and the driver can opt for a wide range of ADAS features, including a LiDAR-based autopilot system.
A major difference lurks in the powertrain department, too. Whereas the Z9 was offered in hybrid and all-electric flavors, the new Z9S goes full-on electric without other options. The cheapest spec uses a 503-PS (696-hp / 370-kW) motor at the rear wheels and gets up to 920 kilometers (571 miles) of range. Paying a premium for the middle spec keeps the same engine while extending the range to 1,100 km (683 miles).
Going for the flagship spec gets you three e-motors, 1,210 PS (1,193 hp / 890 kW) and up to 780 km (484 miles) of range. This version also zaps from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in supercar-defying 2.68 seconds.
Domestic prices for the Denza Z9S start from 319,800 Yuan ($47,360). Preorders are already open.