Staggering driving range for this luxury BYD EV: 2026 Denza Z9 GT scores over 1000km of driving range overseas, as the earmarked-for-Australia performance car takes aim at Porsche Taycan

Denza, the luxury arm of BYD, has unveiled an updated version of its earmarked-for-Australia Z9 GT, with a staggering driving range in excess of 1000km.

The Denza Z9 GT electric wagon boasts a driving range of 1036km, from its 122kWh battery, which makes it one of the longest-range EVs in the world.

It should be noted that this figure is using the CLTC testing system, which is known for being significantly more lenient than other testing methods.

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Even using a more stringent testing method, the Z9 GT still has an eye-catching driving range in the EV space, as Chinese automakers compete for the biggest number in each category.

The Xiaomi SU7, for instance, has seen its driving range also upgraded to more than 900km, according to CLTC testing.

For reference, the longest range EV sold in Australia as of publishing is the Tesla Model 3 Long Range, which has a driving range of around 750km on a single charge, although this is to the more accurate WLTP testing cycle.

The Z9 GT could be set for an Australian launch, given it has already been confirmed for right-hand drive production.

2026 Denza Z9 GT

Denza Australia Chief Operating Officer Mark Harland also recently told CarsGuide the car could make its way to Australia within the next year.

"If you look to Europe, they have launched the Z9 GT, and that will be available in right-hand drive as well," Harland said.

"We haven't confirmed that, but that is one of the cars that is available to me within the next 12 months. And that's a car where if we go 'we see some volume in Australia', which I think there is, then that's definitely the car that I can get here."

2026 Denza Z9 GT

In Australia it would shape up as a rival for the Porsche Taycan or Audi e-Tron GT.

The battery used in the Z9 GT is one of BYD's signature 'Blade' batteries, which means it is made in-house has a lithium-iron-phosphate make-up.

It was previously thought that a new type of battery technology was needed to achieve such high driving ranges, such as solid-state or semi solid state, which not only BYD, but Chery and others have announced projects in.

2026 Denza Z9 GT

The LFP battery from BYD demonstrates 1000km-plus driving ranges are possible without the use of solid-state, which have proved costly to implement.

It is not clear which variants of the Z9 GT might be available in Australia, but in China, there are rear-wheel and all-wheel drive variants.

Along with the 122kWh battery, there is a smaller 102kWh battery, with driving range sitting in the 800km bracket according to CLTC numbers.

The rear-wheel drive variant has a single electric motor, producing 370kW, while the all-wheel drive has three motors, producing a combined 850kW.

There is also a plug-in hybrid version available in China.

Stay tuned for more on Denza's range expansion imminently. Currently the brand offers the B5 and B8 off-road plug-in hybrid SUVs, and has just announced pricing for its D9 luxury people mover.

It plots five models on sale (meaning two more to be confirmed) before the end of 2026.