Expanding model ranges from existing players and a new brand impending.

ADDITIONAL brands from China are limbering up to introduce to New Zealand, and some recent introductions are expanding their ranges.

Denza, the upmarket arm of BYD - but operating exclusive of the parent in New Zealand - has announced intent to see its Z9 GT (pictured today), a high-performance electric rival to the Porsches Taycan Cross Turismo.

Incoming late this year is an edition that takes a 807kW tri-motor powertrain enabling a 0-100kmh time of 2.7 seconds.

Driving range is quoted at up to 1036km, but that is not likely to eventuate as it comes from calculation using China’s domestic market evaluation, the CLTC cycle, that has no credibility here.

Price is set to announce closer to launch.

Meanwhile, BYD New Zealand has confirmed pricing and first details of a plug-in hybrid station wagon, the Seal O6. It will furnish in a $54,990 Premium specification, with first deliveries expected to begin towards the end of June.

A new brand advised for NZ is Jetour, described as an ‘adventure-focused’ SUV brand within China’s Chery Group, but set to operate independently of that parent here, according to a news report.

Jetour product spans internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) and battery electric vehicle (EV) options.

It is also expanding into Australia, with launch ahead of NZ, and it is envisaged models it sells in South Africa are likely for inclusion in this region. Those are the Dashing compact SUV, the seven-seat X70 Plus, and a pair of rugged T-Series vehicles, the T1 and the flagship T2.

A large luxury electric people carrier from Xpeng, the X9, is also cited for sale here, price yet to be shared. It avails in a front-wheel drive format with a 235kW/450Nm electric powertrain, or with all-wheel drive and a more powerful 370kW powertrain.