GLM-5.2 on VM0. Z.AI's default long-context model
The current Z.AI default on VM0. Up to a 1M-token context window, Anthropic-compatible routing, and cost-saving x0.4 VM0 Managed pricing.
1M tokens · Text / Code · Prompt cache
GLM-5.2 is the current GLM default on VM0 for Z.AI API-key users and is also available through VM0 Managed via OpenRouter. It keeps the GLM series' long-context profile while becoming the preferred Z.AI route for new agents.
Use it for large codebases, large document sets, and cost-sensitive long-context planning where Sonnet-class pricing is unnecessary. GLM-5.1 remains available for compatibility, but new Z.AI routes should start on GLM-5.2 unless a workflow has been tuned specifically against 5.1.
What is GLM-5.2?
June 2026 · Current default model in VM0's Z.AI / GLM route.
GLM-5.2 extends the GLM 5 family as the current Z.AI default exposed by VM0. It is available through VM0 Managed, where VM0 routes to OpenRouter with the upstream id z-ai/glm-5.2, and through direct Z.AI API keys using the canonical glm-5.2 id.
The route is Anthropic-compatible, so Claude-style agents can keep the same runtime interface. Existing GLM-5.1 agents do not need to migrate immediately, but new Z.AI-backed agents should prefer GLM-5.2.
On VM0 Managed it sits at x0.4 credits, matching GLM-5.1's cost tier while taking over the Z.AI default slot.
What's notable about GLM-5.2
Headline architecture and capability features.
GLM-5.2 is exposed on VM0 through Anthropic-compatible endpoints. VM0 Managed uses OpenRouter's z-ai/glm-5.2 id; direct Z.AI BYOK uses glm-5.2.
Specs at a glance
GLM-5.2 benchmarks
Treat GLM-5.2 as the preferred GLM route on VM0. Third-party rankings can move quickly, so VM0 keeps the page focused on routing, cost, and operational fit rather than frozen leaderboard percentages.
GLM-5.2 pricing
Provider list price, per 1M tokens.
How GLM-5.2 behaves in practice
Observed behaviour from production agent runs.
Long-context work
GLM-5.2 is best used when the agent needs a large working set: repositories, documentation folders, design notes, or long research material.
Cost control
At x0.4 credits it is a cost-saving alternative to Sonnet-class routes for workflows where context size and price matter more than maximum English reasoning depth.
Routing
VM0 Managed routes through OpenRouter using z-ai/glm-5.2; direct Z.AI API keys use glm-5.2. Both paths keep the Claude-compatible agent interface.
Best agent tasks for GLM-5.2
Whole-repo review on a budget
Use GLM-5.2 when the agent needs to inspect a large codebase and produce concrete file-level recommendations without paying for a premium reasoning model on every pass.
Large document synthesis
Load policy documents, tickets, transcripts, or internal docs together and ask for cross-document patterns. The long context and x0.4 multiplier keep repeated runs practical.
Z.AI BYOK default route
Teams using a direct Z.AI API key get GLM-5.2 as the default VM0 model while retaining GLM-5.1 for existing tuned workflows.
When to skip GLM-5.2
Skip GLM-5.2 for workflows that depend on vision input, or when maximum English-language reasoning and tool routing quality matter more than context size and cost.
GLM-5.2 vs other models
GLM-5.2 vs GLM-5.1
GLM-5.1 remains available for compatibility. GLM-5.2 is the default choice for new Z.AI routes on VM0.
GLM-5.2 vs Kimi K2.7 Code
Both sit in cost-saving territory. Kimi is the Moonshot default and a strong code-focused alternative; GLM-5.2 is the preferred Z.AI long-context route.
GLM-5.2 vs Claude Sonnet 4.6
Sonnet 4.6 remains the stronger default for premium tool-routing quality. GLM-5.2 is cheaper and better suited when context size dominates.
Bottom line: should you use GLM-5.2?
Pick GLM-5.2 as the default Z.AI route on VM0. Keep GLM-5.1 only for compatibility with workflows already tuned against it.
Frequently asked questions
Is GLM-5.2 available through VM0 Managed?
Yes. VM0 Managed routes GLM-5.2 through OpenRouter with the upstream id z-ai/glm-5.2.
Is GLM-5.2 the default for direct Z.AI API keys?
Yes. The Z.AI provider defaults to glm-5.2 while keeping glm-5.1 available.
Does GLM-5.2 support image input?
No. VM0 exposes GLM-5.2 for text and code agents. Use Claude Sonnet 4.6 or Kimi K2.7 Code when vision input is required.
Alternatives
Using GLM-5.2 on VM0
Two ways to access GLM-5.2 on VM0
VM0 supports GLM-5.2 as a Built-in model billed in VM0 credits, and through bring-your-own with a Z.AI API key. The Built-in path uses VM0 Managed routing and the credit multiplier explained below; the bring-your-own path bills you directly with the upstream vendor and skips the VM0 credit conversion entirely.
VM0's recommendation
VM0 positions GLM-5.2 as a cost-saving option rather than a core agent model. Use it to optimise unit cost on non-core work, such as bulk classification, pre-filters, latency-critical short replies, or pinned legacy agents, while keeping Claude Opus 4.7, Claude Opus 4.6, or Claude Sonnet 4.6 on the steps that decide the run.
Credits and the ×0.4 multiplier
Every Built-in model on VM0 is priced as a multiple of Claude Sonnet 4.6, which sits at the ×1 credit baseline. GLM-5.2 bills at ×0.4 credits. The multiplier is what shows up on your VM0 invoice; the vendor list price in the pricing table above is what the upstream provider charges before VM0 converts it into credits.
GLM-5.2 bills at ×0.4, which means a step here costs only 0.4× the credits of an equivalent step on Sonnet 4.6 (the ×1 baseline). That puts it well below the credit baseline and makes it the natural pick for high-volume background work where cost-per-step matters more than peak reasoning quality.
Available on VM0 since June 2026.