Today, BYD‘s Denza officially launched its new mid-to-large-sized sedan, the Denza Z9S. The vehicle is available in three configurations, with prices ranging from 255,800 yuan (37,600 USD) to 325,800 yuan (47,900 USD), the prices are about 8,000 USD lower than the pre-sale price. Positioned as a more compact alternative to the Denza Z9, the Z9S offers both single-motor and tri-motor electric powertrain options.

What is more interesting, the Denza Z9S is priced closely to the China-made Tesla Model 3 sedan, which is being sold in China for 235,500 – 339,500 yuan (35,150 – 50,675 USD). However, the model from BYD represents a different league, being a high-end car. Its launch poses a threat to the American sedan, which delivered 20,787 units in August 2026, according to China EV DataTracker.

Design and exterior
The Z9S features a sporty front fascia with an air intake, a sculpted hood, and a new split-headlight design. The vehicle is equipped with a roof-mounted LiDAR module and offers a 120-litre front trunk for added storage.

Measuring 5,090 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width, and 1,490 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,025 mm, the Z9S is available in seven exterior colours and offers various wheel options ranging from 19 to 20 inches. The rear is highlighted by slim taillights and an active electric spoiler.

Interior and technology
Inside, the cabin features a wraparound design equipped with a 17.3-inch floating centre screen, a 13.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 50-inch head-up display (HUD). The interior emphasises luxury with Nappa leather seats, a suede headliner, and metallic accents. The magnetic passenger-side panel allows for the attachment of various accessories like tablets or storage cases. Rear passengers benefit from a 7-inch armrest screen to control climate, entertainment, and seating settings.

The vehicle is powered by the “God’s Eye” 5.0 advanced driver-assistance system, supporting city and highway navigation, as well as enhanced safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Emergency Steering Assist (ESA).

Performance and safety
Built on a steel-aluminum hybrid chassis with a high-strength steel and aluminum content of 91.1%, the Z9S boasts a torsional rigidity of 45,036 N·m/deg. It utilises CTB (Cell-to-Body) battery integration technology.

The powertrain options include:

• Single-motor (rear-wheel drive): Maximum power of 370 kW (496 hp).
• Tri-motor (all-wheel drive): Combined maximum power of 890 kW (1,194 hp).

Equipped with BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery (102.326 kWh), the Z9S offers CLTC-rated ranges of 780 km (632 km WLTP), 920 km (745 km WLTP), and 1,100 km (891 km WLTP). The high-performance version can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.68 seconds.

Furthermore, the Z9S features the “e3” (Yi San Fang) technology platform, which includes standard rear-wheel steering with a minimum turning radius of 4.75 m (top trim), “crab walk” mode, and “compass turn.” The vehicle is also equipped with the DiSus-A intelligent air body control system.

Pricing Table

Trim Level	Price (yuan and USD)	Battery and CLTC range
Flash Charge Premium	255,800 (37,600)	102.326 kWh, 920 km
Flash Charge Flagship	275,800 (40,600)	122.496 kWh, 1,100 km
e3 Flash Charge Performance	325,800 (47,900)	102.326 kWh, 780 km

Update (September 23, 18:30 CET): Added a comparison of the Denza Z9S and the Tesla Model 3.

Source: CarNewsChina (View original)