Denza D9 units for global markets roll off production line

Denza, BYD's upmarket brand, recently introduced the updated D9 luxury MPV. However, this model was only limited to the brand's home market in China, and the only units made were left-hand drive.

The D9, however, will soon reach overseas markets, now that production of right-hand drive units, as well as batches for foreign markets, has commenced.

The Denza D9 is currently only being made in BYD's sprawling production facility in Changsha, located in Hunan province in China. It is available as either a plug-in hybrid or electric model, and while both versions are retailed overseas, only the electric version will be distributed here.

Sgcarmart got a closer look at the D9 during the batch roll-off ceremony at the brand's Changsha factory. The electric version to be sold here has a vertical grille, unlike the Toyota Alphard-like one on the plug-in hybrid model.

The D9 is a sizable MPV. It measures 5,250mm from tip to tip, which is 240mm longer than the Alphard Hybrid. To help ensure spacious accommodations, the MPV has a 3,110mm wheelbase, or 110mm longer than its rival's.

Both the graphics and colours are noticeably nicer than the ones found in BYD models

Climb behind the wheel and you'll find a dashboard trimmed with real open-pore wood, while the seats are upholstered in Nappa leather. The ceiling is finished in textured suede.

A 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system is standard, along with high-resolution displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The interface of the latter looks to have been re-skinned, with noticeably sharper and punchier graphics compared to BYD models.

The middle row is comprised of a pair of captain's chairs, each one equipped with a touchscreen that lets occupants control the climate, entertainment and ambient lighting.

The captain's chairs are ventilated, feature massage functions, have charging 'pockets' for smartphones, and solid airplane-style tray tables

They can also open and close the panoramic sunroof and window shades. Powered adjustments are standard, too, along with several massage programmes. Some luggage can be stowed even with all seats up, with the compartment offering 410-570 litres of space.

As the D9 is undergoing homologation, power and torque figures have not been confirmed. However, it is likely that the dual-motor, all-wheel drive variant will be retailed here.

According to the Denza Hong Kong website, this version of the D9 does zero to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds and has an NEDC range of 600km. BYD Singapore hopes it can price the D9 "from $300,000 with COE".

In a bid to furnish the Denza brand's upmarket positioning, the D9 will not be sold alongside BYD models. Instead, Denza will have a dedicated showroom, whose location is yet to be announced.

BYD Singapore also said that it plans to introduce one Denza model annually. With the D9 currently being homologated, it's likely to debut before the year ends, and we can expect a second model to arrive in 2025.