BYD launches Denza Z9 GT luxury EV on 9,300‑mile Europe‑Asia “Marco Polo” drive

Chinese automaker BYD unveiled its premium Denza Z9 GT, equipped with a 122.49 kWh Blade Battery that offers up to 643 miles (CLTC) or 372 miles (WLTP) on a single charge. The three‑motor layout (one front, two rear) delivers 1,140 hp (850 kW) and accelerates from 0‑62 mph in 2.7 seconds. The vehicle features BYD’s Flash Charging system, capable of charging from 10 % to 70 % in five minutes and a full recharge in nine minutes. A 17.3‑inch central touchscreen, dual 13.2‑inch displays and a 50‑inch augmented‑reality head‑up display run on the DiLink AI cockpit.

To showcase the car’s range and fast‑charging capability, BYD organized a “Marco Polo Drive” that will carry the Denza Z9 GT on a 9,300‑mile (15,000 km) journey from Rome to Hong Kong over about 43 days. The trip, led by Patrick Zhong and economist Jeffrey Sachs, follows the historic Silk‑Road route and aims to promote electric mobility and global connectivity. A launch ceremony was held in Rome, where BYD also opened its first Flash‑Charging station in Italy. The company plans to install 3,000 chargers across Europe and 300 in the UK by the end of 2026. Orders for the Z9 GT opened in Europe in April, starting at €115,000 (≈ $135,000).