Denza Z9GT's autonomous update in 2027

Denza, a premium brand under the Chinese automaker BYD, will introduce an autonomous driving update for its sedan, the Z9GT, in 2027. This update will include a system called God's Eye, which will provide urban navigation assistance (CNOA) through a free remote software update starting in 2026.

Testing in Paris

In early October 2026, a test drive of the Z9GT took place in Paris, a city known for its complex traffic and challenging urban environments. The test involved driving through the morning rush hour and navigating the Place de l'Étoile, one of the most complicated roundabouts in France and possibly Europe.

Test conditions and safety measures

During the test, the driver was an engineer from the company and did not touch the steering wheel due to insurance requirements. The software for the system is now at an advanced stage of calibration and adaptation, a necessary step for approval under the UNECE Regulation No. 171, which is required for commercialization.

How the CNOA system works

The CNOA system, also known as City Navigation on Driving Assistant, allows the Z9GT to manage a journey from start to finish once activated. The car operates in level 2+ autonomous mode, meaning the vehicle can drive itself but the driver must be ready to take control at any time.

Navigating Paris's challenges

The test drive included navigating the Champs-Élysées, where traffic lights were not functioning due to recent events, and road markings were missing. Despite these challenges, the car managed to stop at the correct places and adapted to the situation, including waiting for a truck to clear the way before proceeding.

Handling complex maneuvers

The Z9GT successfully entered the Place de l'Étoile roundabout and maneuvered around other vehicles. However, it encountered a situation where an impatient driver merged onto the right, causing the car to slow down and make a leftward maneuver. This briefly encroached on the opposite lane, surprising another driver, but no incidents occurred.

System capabilities and equipment

The Z9GT is equipped with 27 environmental monitoring systems, including a LiDAR sensor, eleven cameras, three millimeter-wave radars, and twelve ultrasonic radar sensors. These components allow the car to detect obstacles, stop at red lights, yield at roundabouts, and respect speed limits.

Manufacturer's statement and future goals

Denza stated that the God's Eye system will help reduce the stress of city driving. The necessary hardware is already in the Z9GT, and the software will be available in 2027. While the system is effective, it still needs improvement to match the dynamic behavior of urban drivers. The driver must remain attentive and ready to take control, as the system deactivates if the driver is not monitored properly.