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Denza Z9 GT vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Verdict

The Denza Z9 GT is the more radical Malaysian proposition: three motors deliver 1,140 hp, 1,210 Nm and a 2.7-second 0-100 km/h time, while its 122.49 kWh battery is rated for 600 km of EV range. It is 256 kg heavier and carries RM9,140 annual road tax, however. The Mercedes-Benz GLE brings CKD assembly, RM440 road tax and an unlimited-mileage four-year warranty. Its 114 km EV range and 6.1-second sprint are a long way behind the Denza’s numbers.

Z9 GT

Pick the Denza Z9 GT if you want 600 km of electric range, 2.7-second performance and powered rear seats with leg rests.

GLE

Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLE if you prefer a CKD SUV with RM440 annual road tax and a petrol plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Key differences

  • Motor output: Denza Z9 GT has 1,140 hp and 1,210 Nm; Mercedes-Benz GLE has 154 hp and 440 Nm.
  • Battery and EV range: Denza Z9 GT has a 122.49 kWh battery and 600 km range; Mercedes-Benz GLE has a 31 kWh battery and 114 km range.
  • Performance: Denza Z9 GT does 0-100 km/h in 2.7 seconds and reaches 240 km/h; Mercedes-Benz GLE takes 6.1 seconds and reaches 210 km/h.
  • Annual road tax: Denza Z9 GT costs RM9,140; Mercedes-Benz GLE costs RM440.
  • Size: Denza Z9 GT is 5,180 mm long with a 3,125 mm wheelbase; Mercedes-Benz GLE is 4,924 mm long with a 2,995 mm wheelbase.
  • Weight: Denza Z9 GT weighs 2,895 kg; Mercedes-Benz GLE weighs 2,685 kg.

Z9 GT

  • 600 km EV range from a 122.49 kWh battery
  • 1,140 hp, 1,210 Nm and 2.7-second 0-100 km/h pace
  • Nine airbags, powered rear seats with leg rests and front/rear fridges
  • RM9,140 annual road tax versus RM440
  • 2,895 kg kerb weight versus 2,685 kg

GLE

  • CKD assembly in Malaysia
  • RM440 annual road tax
  • Unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty for four years
  • 114 km EV range versus 600 km
  • 6.1-second 0-100 km/h time versus 2.7 seconds
  • Seven airbags versus nine, and no head-up display
Price & overview
PriceRM368,690✓RM498,888
Body typeWagonSUV
SegmentExecutiveExecutive
AssemblyCBUCKD
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM9,140RM440✓
Powertrain
Engine Tech1,000V architecture (e3 Platform)16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with PHEV Assistance
Capacity—1,999 cc
Horsepower—248 hp at 5,800 rpm
Torque—400 Nm at 2,000 rpm
Cylinder Arrangement—Inline 4
FuelElectricPetrol Plug-in Hybrid
Number of Motors31
Motor Horsepower1,140 hp✓154 hp
Motor Torque1,210 Nm✓440 Nm
Battery Capacity122.49 kWh✓31 kWh
EV Range600 km✓114 km
Charging Rate (AC)11 kW11 kW
Charging Rate (DC)1,500 kW—
V2L4 kW—
Drivetrain
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticConventional Automatic
Transmission Name—9G-Tronic
Gears—9
DrivelineAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h2.7 seconds✓6.1 seconds
Top Speed240 km/h✓210 km/h
Dimensions
Length5,180 mm4,924 mm
Width1,990 mm1,947 mm
Height1,490 mm1,772 mm
Wheelbase3,125 mm2,995 mm
Weight2,895 kg2,685 kg
Fuel Tank—85 litres
Doors55
Seats55
Boot Space495 litres✓490 litres
Front Tyre225/45R20275/45R21
Rear Tyre225/45R20315/40R21
Spare Tyre—N/A, Tyre Repair Kit
Factory TyresContinental EcoContact 7Pirelli P Zero
Chassis
AssemblyChina (CBU)Malaysia (CKD)
Front SuspensionDouble Wishbones with Air SuspensionMulti-link with Air Suspension
Rear SuspensionMulti-link with Air SuspensionMulti-link with Air Suspension
Front Wheels20" Y-spoke Alloys21" Alloys
Rear Wheels20" Y-spoke Alloys21" Alloys
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Chassis NotesDiSus-A Intelligent Dual Chamber Air SuspensionAirmatic with Adaptive Damping System (ADS PLUS)
Safety
Airbags9 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags, Front Centre Airbag)7 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee)
ABS/EBD✓✓
Stability Control✓✓
Alarm✓✓
Immobilizer✓✓
Airbag Disable Function✓✓
Child Safety LockElectric for Rear DoorsManual for Rear Doors
Seat Belts5 Three-point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System✓✓
ISOFIXAvailable on Outer Two Rear SeatsAvailable on two rear passenger seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYesYes
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionSteering Correction
Collision Warning✓✓
Seatbelt ReminderAll SeatsAll Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsLED ProjectorsLED Reflectors
TaillampsFull LEDFull LED
LED Daytime Running Lights✓✓
Rear Foglamps✓✓
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators✓✓
Cabin
Front SeatsPowered Front Seats with Ventilation, Memory and MassagingPowered Front Seats with Massage and Ventilation Functions
Rear SeatsPowered Rear Seats with Extendable Leg Rests40:20:40 Split-folding
Front Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control
Rear Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control
SunroofPanoramic SunroofPanoramic Sliding Roof
Power Sockets1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 Wireless Charger Front, 1 Wireless Chargers Rear, 2 USB Rear1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear
Interior LightingMap Lights, Ambient LightingMap Lights and Ambient Lights
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front, 2 Rear
Sun ShadeSunroof ShadeSunroof Shade & Rear Window Shades
Audio17.3" Touchscreen with Google Automotive Services Built-in, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 20-speaker Devialet Sound System, 13.2" Front Passenger Touchscreen12.3" MBUX Multimedia with Burmester Sound System
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti PinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch
Engine StartKeyless Push ButtonKeyless Push Button
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation
Auto Start/Stop—✓
Auto Headlamps✓✓
Auto Wipers✓✓
Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise ControlPassive Cruise Control
Paddle Shift—✓
Steering Audio Control✓✓
Steering Tilt✓✓
Steering Telescopic✓✓
Electric Steering Adjustment✓✓
Boot OperationPowered BootPowered Boot
Parking Sensor Front6 Sensors6 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear6 Sensors6 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, 360-degree CameraYes, with Surround View Camera
Auto ParkingYes, e3 ParkingYes
Folding Wing Mirrors✓✓
Bluetooth✓✓
Navigation✓✓
Head-up Display✓—
Power DoorAll Doors—
Hill Start Assist✓✓
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Convenience NotesFront and Rear Fridges—
Warranty
Warranty Mileage Manufacturer150,000 kmUnlimited✓
Warranty Manufacturer6 years✓4 years
Warranty Notes8-years/160,000 km Drivetrain and High Voltage Battery Warranty8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.

Z9 GT vs GLE FAQ

Is the Denza Z9 GT or Mercedes-Benz GLE better?

The Denza Z9 GT is the stronger choice for electric range, outright performance and rear-seat equipment. Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if CKD assembly, far lower annual road tax and an unlimited-mileage four-year warranty matter more than EV range.

What is the price difference?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE costs RM498,888, which is RM130,198 more than the RM368,690 Denza Z9 GT.

Which has the longer electric range?

The Denza Z9 GT has the longer EV range at 600 km from its 122.49 kWh battery. The Mercedes-Benz GLE is rated for 114 km from its 31 kWh battery.

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