Verdict
At RM368,690, the Denza Z9 GT undercuts the RM498,888 Mercedes-Benz GLE by RM130,198 and slashes annual road tax from RM9,140 to RM440. Its three motors deliver 1,140 hp, 1,210 Nm and a 2.7-second 0-100 km/h time, far beyond the GLE’s 248 hp petrol engine, 154 hp motor and 6.1 seconds. The GLE remains the choice for an SUV body and petrol-PHEV flexibility, but its 114 km EV range is modest beside the Denza’s 600 km. Both retain all-wheel drive, air suspension and near-identical 495/490-litre boots.
Pick the Denza Z9 GT if you want 600 km of EV range, 1,140 hp and a RM130,198 lower purchase price.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLE if you need an SUV with an 85-litre petrol tank and locally assembled CKD status.
Key differences
- Price: Denza Z9 GT RM368,690; Mercedes-Benz GLE RM498,888.
- EV range: Denza Z9 GT 600 km; Mercedes-Benz GLE 114 km.
- 0-100 km/h: Denza Z9 GT 2.7 seconds; Mercedes-Benz GLE 6.1 seconds.
- Battery capacity: Denza Z9 GT 122.49 kWh; Mercedes-Benz GLE 31 kWh.
- Annual road tax: Denza Z9 GT RM440; Mercedes-Benz GLE RM9,140.
- Length: Denza Z9 GT 5,180 mm; Mercedes-Benz GLE 4,924 mm.
Z9 GT
- RM130,198 cheaper to buy.
- 600 km EV range and 1,500 kW DC charging rate.
- Head-up display, power-operated doors and front/rear fridges.
- 210 kg heavier at 2,895 kg versus 2,685 kg.
- No petrol tank, unlike the GLE’s 85-litre tank.
- No rear window shades or paddle shifters.
GLE
- SUV body, 1,772 mm tall versus the Denza’s 1,490 mm.
- 85-litre petrol tank with plug-in hybrid assistance.
- Rear window shades and paddle shifters.
- RM130,198 more expensive.
- 114 km EV range versus 600 km.
- Passive cruise control versus adaptive cruise control.
| 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 | — | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with PHEV Assistance |
| Capacity | — | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 248 hp |
| Torque | — | 400 Nm |
| 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 | Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags, Front Centre Airbag | 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 buy on price, EV range and performance: RM368,690, 600 km and 2.7 seconds to 100 km/h. Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE for its SUV form and 85-litre petrol tank.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE costs RM498,888, which is RM130,198 more than the Denza Z9 GT at RM368,690.
Which has the longer electric range?
The Denza Z9 GT has 600 km of EV range from its 122.49-kWh battery. The Mercedes-Benz GLE has 114 km from a 31-kWh battery, supplemented by an 85-litre petrol tank.