BYD is doubling down on its European conquest plans by introducing a new luxury brand called Denza. Its goal: to compete with the West’s classic premium brands, including BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Volvo. And it can do something they can’t do: turn parking into magic.
Denza’s European debut includes the D9 van and, more importantly, the Z9 GT. It’s a shooting brake designed by Wolfgang Egger—a designer with a past in Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Seat, and Lamborghini—that comes to the market with a plethora of new technology on its “e3” Platform. That’s an evolution of the e-Platform 3.0 already seen on some BYD models, and one that really ups the ante.
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Source: BYD
Better Living Through Rotation
First and foremost, the e3 platform is equipped with the world’s first independent three-motor electric drivetrain. It consists of two rear motors coupled with a differential and one front motor paired with two wheels capable of steering independently.
How does this technology translate into Denza’s maneuverability? Simple: the car can move diagonally up to 15 degrees, rotate in place using the front wheels as a pivot, or even “crab walk” sideways for parking. To put it into perspective, a big car like the Z9 GT—measuring 5.2 meters (17 feet) long with a 3.13-meter (10.3 feet) wheelbase—can execute a U-turn in just 4.62 meters (15 feet).
Of course, it remains to be seen how much tire wear there is during such maneuvers. But the video below shows how it works:
Denza’s system that allows the car to rotate on itself
Oh, And It Rides On Three
Among the technologies introduced with the e3 platform is the revolutionary active suspension system derived from that found on the sporty Yangwang U9, a supercar that can even jump in place.
By taking advantage of independent control over individual wheels, the Denza Z9 can continue driving even if one tire is punctured by adjusting the shock absorbers precisely to rest the car on the other three.
The independent steering system of the front wheels
Photo by: BYD
Denza’s e3 platform is designed to maximize efficiency as well as performance. For this it mounts an 8-in-1 powetrain (it was the first when it was introduced) with electronic control units, battery management system, DC-DC inverter, on-board charger, motor and transmission.
The e3 platform that BYD is using for Denza is compatible with the Chinese giant’s popular Blade batteries. It will be used for both 100% electric and plug-in hybrid models. The latter will be sold in Europe from 2026 onward.
Is this a super-useful feature, or just another party trick? Let us know what you think in the comments.
