The allure of Chinese electric vehicles has taken the American automotive market by storm, with executives and tech reviewers alike singing their praises. Yet, a recent incident on the German autobahn shatters the illusion of flawless engineering. As per a report on The Free Press, during a high-speed test, the heavily hyped BYD Denza Z9 GT nearly caused a catastrophic accident by attempting to steer its driver directly into a steel barrier. This terrifying event raises serious questions about the safety and readiness of Chinese electric cars for American roads.
The Incident
The vehicle in question is no ordinary commuter car. Built by BYD, China’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, this ultra-luxury model boasts a staggering 1,150 horsepower and carries a price tag of roughly $130,000. On paper, it looks like a formidable rival to anything produced by legacy American automakers. Automotive journalist and former racing driver Jack Baruth put those specifications to the test in Alsfeld, Germany. As the driver surged past 150 mph, the steering wheel violently turned toward the guardrail without any driver input. Baruth said there was no obvious crosswind or road imperfection to explain the sudden steering input, leaving the cause of the incident unclear.
Maybe thanks to his extensive racing experience, the driver managed to wrestle the massive vehicle under control and avoid a high-speed collision. The incident exposes an uncomfortable question for Chinese automakers moving into the premium performance market: Can their vehicles deliver the same high-speed confidence as established European rivals? It raises questions about whether the Z9 GT’s chassis, steering systems, and software have been sufficiently validated for sustained high-speed driving.
Denza
What Happens When They Reach America?
American consumers are understandably curious about the influx of cheap and powerful Chinese electric vehicles, with some prominent publications even demanding their immediate arrival on domestic shores. But raw acceleration and massive digital displays mean very little if the vehicle cannot keep you safe, such as in the case of this Denza Z9 GT. Until brands like BYD can guarantee their cars will not actively try to crash themselves at highway speeds, buyers should look past the marketing hype. The promise of an inexpensive electric supercar is tempting, but betting your life on unproven steering software is a price no driver should have to pay.
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