Denza Z9S. Image credit: BYD
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BYD’s Denza brand recently launched the new Z9S EV in China. The premium sedan represents the top of its class by several measures, and set records on a couple of tests. All while being offered at roughly the average price of a new car in the United States.
RWD models come with 370 kW motors, or roughly 496 hp, while the top spec offers a combined 890 kW (1194 hp), good for a 0-100 km/h time of 2.68s. That makes the sedan quicker than many supercars. BYD claims it is the quickest car below 500,000 RMB (~$74,000 USD), with the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra coming in a little above that mark. For people who want to show off and wear out their tires, there is a “novice drift” mode that offers controlled drifts that make the average soccer mom look like Ken Block. Independent rear steering gives it a subcompact-like 4.75 m turning radius, while the ability to compass turn lets it maneuver in even tighter spaces. An active suspension soaks up bumps and controls body movement.
