When Denza first arrived in the Philippines with the D9, it gave us a glimpse of what BYD’s more premium brand could offer. The Z9 GT was among the vehicles teased during its introduction, and now its arrival is finally getting closer. Now BYD has confirmed two other things that are just as exciting: the arrival of the BYD Ti7 and its highly-lauded Flash Charging technology.
We recently had the opportunity to experience these innovations firsthand during an extensive drive in China. The trip deserves a story of its own, but for now, here’s a closer look at what BYD is bringing to the Philippines next year.
Denza Z9 GT
Let’s start with Denza’s first teaser from way back. The Z9 GT is all about covering long distances in style, comfort, and speed. Available as either a BEV or a PHEV, the Z9 GT combines grand touring with the sort of performance figures usually associated with supercars. Depending on the version, it delivers more than 1,000 PS and up to 1,200 Nm of torque. Yet despite those staggering numbers, its character is surprisingly refined.
Its styling is bound to spark conversations. The Z9 GT is long, low, and wide, with a sweeping roofline that flows into an extended rear section. It doesn’t follow the traditional proportions of a a conventional sports wagon and instead, it embraces the shooting-brake silhouette making it unique on the road.
Some of its design details may divide opinion. The headlights and taillights, for instance, look a little conservative when switched off. But once on, they take on a more futuristic appearance. It’s a car that seems to reveal more of its character the longer you spend looking at it.
The front cabin has a distinctive dashboard design with wing-like extensions that may feel a little restrictive for some occupants. The rear has a generous legroom, comfortable seating, and a thoughtful approach to passenger comfort. Rear passengers get their own climate controls, with air vents positioned behind the center console and along the pillars. Even the airflow can be adjusted through the digital display.
On the highway, it is exceptionally quiet and composed. It absorbs road imperfections with ease, while its stability at speeds of up to 120 kph makes long-distance cruising feel effortless. The seats provide just the right amount of support and cushioning, making it easy for passengers to just doze off within a few minutes.
Despite the power figures of the Z9 GT, it delivers speed and power in a remarkably polished manner. It is a grand tourer in the truest sense – one that makes the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
Denza says the Z9 GT is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines in the first quarter of 2027. Pricing and the exact powertrain configuration for the local market remain under wraps, but its arrival should give the country’s growing premium EV segment something new to talk about.
BYD Ti7
If the Denza B5 and B8 are a little too imposing for city life, the BYD Ti7 might just hit the sweet spot. It takes the boxy, rugged styling of its larger siblings and packages it into a more city-friendly five-seater – but this will be under BYD when it arrives in the country.
The Ti7 has the kind of silhouette that makes a strong first impression. Its upright proportions, squared-off lines, and faux spare-tire carrier at the rear give it a proper off-road-inspired look. But step inside, and the rugged exterior gives way to a surprisingly plush and spacious cabin.
At its size, the Ti7 is larger than many of the midsize SUVs we’re used to seeing on Philippine roads. That extra space is put to good use, particularly in the cabin. The seats are comfortable, the interior is quiet, and there’s enough room to accommodate even wider occupants like me without feeling cramped. It is the sort of SUV that makes long drives feel less like a chore.
Underneath, the Ti7 is equally interesting. Our test unit was a plug-in hybrid equipped with two electric motors, producing around 483 hp and 620 Nm of torque. Its estimated driving range exceeds 700 kilometers, giving it the flexibility to tackle long-distance trips without constantly worrying about the next charging stop.
But what surprised me most was how it behaved on the road. The Ti7 is a soft-roader in the best possible sense. Its DiSus-C intelligent damping suspension helps it deal with uneven surfaces, making light dirt trails and rough roads feel surprisingly manageable. Body roll is well controlled for a vehicle of its size, and the suspension absorbs trail imperfections with confidence. In fact, its ride felt more settled than that of the Denza B5 during my time behind the wheel.
Still, the Ti7 seems happiest on paved roads. Whether navigating city traffic or cruising along the highway, it delivers the kind of comfort you’d want from a family SUV. It looks like an adventure-ready machine, but it doesn’t demand that you spend every weekend looking for a trail to conquer.
The Ti7 reportedly averages around 20,000 units in monthly sales, a remarkable figure that reflects its appeal in one of the world’s most competitive automotive markets. BYD has yet to reveal the exact Philippine specifications, pricing, or whether a seven-seater version will make it here. What we do know is that the Ti7 is scheduled to arrive in 2027, and it could be an interesting option for buyers who want the commanding presence of a rugged SUV without sacrificing everyday comfort.
BYD’s Flash Charger
Of all the developments BYD showed us in China, its new Flash Charging technology might be the most fascinating. Even if you’re not particularly interested in EV technology, it’s hard not to be impressed by a charging station that can replenish a car’s battery in the time it takes to grab a quick coffee.
The system has a distinctive T-shaped design, with each connector capable of delivering up to 1,500 kW of power, making it one of the most powerful EV charging systems currently being deployed. Paired with BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery, the technology promises to charge compatible vehicles from 10% to 97% in just nine minutes. Even in extreme cold, at temperatures as low as -30°C, the system can reportedly charge from 20% to 97% in 12 minutes. Those numbers sound almost unbelievable, but seeing the system in action makes them much easier to appreciate.
During our demonstration, a Denza Z9 that started with 33% battery charge reached 97% in just 7 minutes and 47 seconds. Watching the charging percentage climb that quickly was mesmerizing. The only thing faster was BYD Vice President Liu Xueliang preparing his drip coffee while we waited.
Only this technology can’t be fully utilized by BYD and Denza cars in the Philippines. It needs to work with BYD Blade Battery 2.0 which isn’t available in the current models. They can still use the charger but they’ll be capped by their internal limits. But the upcoming Z9 GT and Ti7 will come with the second-generation blade battery so they can use the full 1.5 MW chargers.
It puts the charging experience into an entirely different perspective. We’re accustomed to thinking of EV charging as something that requires a planned stop, a meal, or at least a few minutes of downtime. Flash Charging challenges that routine by bringing charging times closer to the experience of refueling a conventional vehicle.
More importantly for Filipino motorists, BYD has confirmed that Flash Charging technology is also coming to the Philippines in 2027. Details about the rollout, including the initial locations and network coverage, have yet to be announced.
Between the Ti7’s blend of rugged styling and everyday comfort, the Z9 GT’s polished grand touring experience, and Flash Charging’s astonishing speed, BYD is clearly preparing to make 2027 an exciting year for Philippine motorists. As BYD Cars Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca puts it, the company is full of surprises. If these latest announcements are any indication, we may have only seen the beginning of what BYD has planned for the year ahead.
