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.
Pick the Denza Z9 GT if you want 600 km of electric range, 2.7-second performance and powered rear seats with leg rests.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM368,690✓ | RM498,888 |
| Body type | Wagon | SUV |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM9,140 | RM440✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 1,000V 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 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Number of Motors | 3 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 1,140 hp✓ | 154 hp |
| Motor Torque | 1,210 Nm✓ | 440 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 122.49 kWh✓ | 31 kWh |
| EV Range | 600 km✓ | 114 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 1,500 kW | — |
| V2L | 4 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 9G-Tronic |
| Gears | — | 9 |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 2.7 seconds✓ | 6.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 240 km/h✓ | 210 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,180 mm | 4,924 mm |
| Width | 1,990 mm | 1,947 mm |
| Height | 1,490 mm | 1,772 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,125 mm | 2,995 mm |
| Weight | 2,895 kg | 2,685 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 85 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 495 litres✓ | 490 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R20 | 275/45R21 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R20 | 315/40R21 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 7 | Pirelli P Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones with Air Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 20" Y-spoke Alloys | 21" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Y-spoke Alloys | 21" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | DiSus-A Intelligent Dual Chamber Air Suspension | Airmatic with Adaptive Damping System (ADS PLUS) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 9 (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 Lock | Electric for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Outer Two Rear Seats | Available on two rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Ventilation, Memory and Massaging | Powered Front Seats with Massage and Ventilation Functions |
| Rear Seats | Powered Rear Seats with Extendable Leg Rests | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Sunroof | Panoramic Sliding Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 Wireless Charger Front, 1 Wireless Chargers Rear, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights, Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade | Sunroof Shade & Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 17.3" Touchscreen with Google Automotive Services Built-in, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 20-speaker Devialet Sound System, 13.2" Front Passenger Touchscreen | 12.3" MBUX Multimedia with Burmester Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes, e3 Parking | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Power Door | All Doors | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Front and Rear Fridges | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 6 years✓ | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-years/160,000 km Drivetrain and High Voltage Battery Warranty | 8-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.
Used Z9 GT & GLE for sale
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.