Denza Philippines is clearly eager to get moving with a massive event rollout this week. Ahead of the brand’s official model launch on February 27, a small group of media, myself included, sat down for dinner with Adam Hu, the country head of BYD Philippines Corporation, which oversees both BYD and Denza locally.
For those still catching up, Denza is BYD’s premium arm. Think familiar BYD strengths – electrification, software, and aggressive tech – but elevated with richer materials, more ambitious design, and flagship-grade features. The brand made its local debut last month, with models like the D9 luxury minivan, plus the B8 and B5 SUVs, already earmarked for Philippine arrival. Four dealerships are on the rise, with some of them working on their own big launches this week.
But a quick look at Denza’s global lineup reveals something far more intriguing. Sitting above the crossovers and MPVs is a large, low-slung shooting brake that feels aimed squarely at enthusiasts. That car is the Z9 GT, and it immediately stood out as the kind of statement model Denza could use to define itself beyond being a luxury people hauler.
It’s no secret that I have a bias for hatches and wagons, especially performance models that tend to punch above their weight when it comes to design and character. The Z9 GT leans fully into that idea, at least that’s what we know from the grapevine. Long, wide, and unapologetically sporty, it’s closer in spirit to a Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo than anything currently sold under the BYD umbrella. Naturally, the question had to be asked.
When I brought up the Z9 GT with Adam Hu, there wasn’t any hesitation in his answer. The Z9 GT is coming to the Philippines, and we “won’t have to wait long.” No timeline was shared, no dates hinted at – just an assurance that it is coming, and soon. That’s promising – and one I’d hold on to until it happens.
Globally, the Z9 GT serves as a rolling showcase of what Denza and BYD can do at the top end. It’s a large, performance-oriented wagon with advanced rear-wheel steering that allows each rear wheel to steer independently. The system enables extreme low-speed maneuvers, crab-style lane changes, and even controlled movement in the event of a tire failure at highway speeds.
In terms of power, the Z9 GT uses a plug-in hybrid setup combining a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with three electric motors, delivering a total of 870 horsepower. There’s also a fully electric version on the horizon, boasting more power and faster charging. Air suspension, high-end materials, OLED displays, and a Dynaudio sound system – basically all the bells and whistles.
But before the Z9 GT enters the picture, Denza Philippines has more immediate plans. The D9 luxury minivan will be the brand’s first local launch, and that’s happening within days. Stay tuned for our first impressions of that model here.
