since 1976
since 1976
By Lee Pang Seng
DENZA is the next big name from China to watch as it seeks to establish a strong footing in Malaysia and the Asean region. For a start, it is already offering a pan-Asean warranty that covers Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand for the Denza D9 luxurious MPV (multipurpose vehicle).
Although Denza is a premium sub-brand under BYD, it would be marketed through a separate dealer network and the first one was launched shortly that the D9 was officially introduced to the market. This dealer outlet is operated by Harmony Auto at Atlan Tower, Jalan Ampang and it would introduce a 3S (sales, service and spare-parts) centre in Skudai, Johor soon.
Denza might be a relatively new car manufacturer that started off in 2010 on a 50:50 joint venture with Mercedes-Benz, but typical of the Chinese approach, it developed and launched passenger vehicles at lightning speed. In fact, BYD assumed full control of Denza in 2021 and the D9 premium MPV was launched in 2022. With more than 300,000 vehicles sold globally since then, it is now eyeing an expansion in the Asean region, having already entered the markets in Cambodia, Thailand and Singapore.
With BYD having gained a firm footing selling cars in Malaysia since 2014 and now boasting of being a top manufacturer to sell the most EVs (electric vehicles) with more than 14,000 vehicles moved, it is confident that the Denza D9 would capture the imagination of prospective buyers wanting a well-equipped luxurious MPV at a very attractive price.
This EV sales performance in Malaysia echoes that of BYD’s achievement on a global scale in 2024 – 4.27 million sold to make it the top seller for the third consecutive year. It boasts an annual growth rate in sales of 41.26 per cent over that period. This sales volume combines that for BEVs (battery electric vehicles) and PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles).
Denza Malaysia is introducing two models, a front-wheel drive D9 and an all-wheel drive flagship. The price is given as RM259,000 for the former and RM309,000 for the latter. All bases are covered by the warranty programme – eight years or 150,000km for the battery, up to eight years for the drive motor and motor controller, and six years or 150,000km for the vehicle.
There are three colour options, these being Artic White, Cosmos Black and Whale Sea Blue with the interior options in colour choices of beige and brown. As an added incentive, the early batch of buyers would receive ‘exclusive launch privileges’ such as a free 22kW wallbox with installation, free six years or 120,000km service, free exclusive Denza neck and waist pillow and free exclusive Denza luggage.
The Denza D9 features the Blade battery developed by BYD with a capacity of 103.6kWh. The front motor of the front wheel drive D9 is rated at 230kW and 360Nm while the AWD version is complemented by a rear motor rated at 45kW and 110Nm. The combined power for the AWD is 275kW and 460Nm. 0-100km/h acceleration is 9.5 seconds for the front wheel drive D9 and 6.9 seconds for the AWD. The full electric range (NEDC – New European Driving Cycle) is 600km for the front wheel drive and 590km for the AWD.
To reflect its pioneer status in innovation, Denza says the D9 features the powerful e3 system that encompasses three electric motors, rear wheel driving, Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology and Vehicle Motion Control (VMT) to provide ‘superior performance in diverse driving conditions’.
During the D9 launch, a Denza Z9 GT was featured to demonstrate its CTB and VMT performance, which was to do a complete 360-degree turn by merely controlling the motions of the rear wheels. This is to make parking easier in a parallel parking bay or getting out of a tight spot.
To enhance the Denza D9 driving experience further is the DiSus intelligent body control system that features DiSus-C active suspension for stability in all conditions and DiSus-A for dynamic adjustments to maximise comfort should the D9 be driven off-road for leisure or business, such as surveying one’s construction site.
Adding to the pleasure of being in the D9 on the move is the ‘holistic, sensory experience’ that arose from a strategic partnership with the renowned French luxury audio brand, Devialet. This is supported by 14 Dynaudio speakers and 7.1 surround sound system to liven up the audio experience on the go. A car refrigerator is part of the package too. This is all part of its ‘Redefining Sophistication’ tagline.
The huge 15.6-inch centre display is eye-catching while the driver has a 10.25-inch 3D instrument cluster panel. A head-up display (our favourite item) also comes as standard. A panoramic sunroof with electric sunscreen is standard and the centre row captain seats has six power adjustable position for the most relaxed ride. The seats are upholstered in Nappa leather.
The rear luggage area boasts a space of 410 to 570 litres that Denza says could accommodate up to seven large suitcases. This is with the third row seatrests up and should meet the needs of a family on holiday. For the golfer, his golf bag would fit in nicely with room to spare. The third row seatrests are split 60:40 should more space be required to take in long or bulky items.
In body styling, the kinetic energy design language is used to shape the front with large bold side wings to complement the large centre ‘motion’ grille with cascading chrome strips. The rear sees an Arrow Tail Light design that uses LEDs (light emitting diodes) running the full width of the vehicle. The Denza D9 comes with 18-inch allow wheels fitted with 235/60 R 18 Michelin tyres. Frankly, you don’t need bigger wheels as this 18-inch combination is perfect for a luxurious MPV.
We were given a drive that covered a short slalom course, a few curves marked with cones, a short tarmac section and a brief off-road area. For a luxurious MPV weighing 2764kg (kerb), we didn’t feel the vehicle’s weight as the electric torque output of 360Nm make taking off an effortless affair. The Denza D9 also took to the short slalom course at fair speeds with hardly any body lean and the few corners easily. It was just as manoeuvrable as a smaller vehicle despite its 5250mm body length and 1960mm body width (its wheelbase is 3110mm).
The flat location of the BYD Blade battery contributed to this good dynamic characteristic. For the tarmac stretch and off-road section, it was as comfortable as you would expect of a luxurious MPV. We hardly felt the road ripples and bumps as the active Macpherson strut front and multi-link suspension soaked up the impacts nicely for a cushioned ride. This was from a driver’s perspective and we believe we would be similarly impressed as a passenger as well, especially in the second-row captain seat.
From our experience driving the Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 from the Klang Valley to Penang in 2023, we know you could cover the distance on a single charge with the Denza D9 with its 590-600km capability. Besides, there are now more charging points along the highway should you have range anxiety, which should make the drive all the more enjoyable and pleasant.
Denza D9 Specification link here
