Denza D9 EV – seven-seater MPV to debut in Malaysia in Q1 2025, up to 374 PS/470 Nm, 520 km WLTP range

In September, BYD announced that it would be bringing its Denza luxury brand to Malaysia, with the move to do so cemented last month with the appointment of Sime Darby Auto Imports as the official importer and BYD Malaysia as the official distributor for Denza products in the country.

As expected, the vehicle that will debut the BYD sub-brand here will be the Denza D9, due in sometime in the first quarter of 2025. First introduced in 2022, the right-hand drive version of the Denza D9 in its all-electric form was launched in Hong Kong in June this year, and this will be the version that will go on sale in Malaysia. The RHD examples in this photo set are from the first-batch roll-off ceremony that was held in Changsha, China some time back.

Measuring 5,250 mm long, 1,950 mm wide and 1,920 mm tall, with a 3,110 mm-long wheelbase, the Denza D9 sits approximately in between the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire and the larger Hyundai Staria in terms of size. Other rivals in a fast-crowding field will include the Zeekr 009 and GAC M8.

No indication as yet as to the variants that will be sold here, but the electric D9 is available in two different drivetrain guises, with the base version being equipped with a front-mounted electric motor rated at 313 PS (308 hp or 230 kW) and 360 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 9.5 seconds and a maximum range of 520 km (WLTP) or, if you prefer the more generous CLTC standard, 620 km.

The next step up are two AWD variants, which adds a rear electric motor with 61 PS (60 hp or 45 kW) and 110 Nm for a total all-wheel drive system output of 374 PS (369 hp or 275 kW) and 470 Nm. The 0-100 km/h sprint time improves to 6.9 seconds as result, although range is reduced to 480 km (WLTP, or 600 km CLTC)

All variants of the D9 EV feature a BYD-produced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with an energy capacity of 103 kWh, which supports DC fast charging at a peak capacity of 166 kW.

Interior space is one of the highlights touted by the automaker, with the D9 able to comfortably accommodate seven adults, each 180 cm tall. Meanwhile, the cargo area is said to be able to handle up to seven 20-inch suitcases and seven business backpacks. Quietness of the cabin is also another notable point, with the brand saying that the noise level inside the D9 measures only 64.6 dBA when cruising at 120 km/h.

Novelties are led by second-row, 10-way adjustable captain seats, each with their own armrest digital screens and equipped with heating/ventilation and 10-point massage functions. The kit list also includes a large panoramic glass roof, Nappa leather upholstery and real wood veneer trim elements, textured suede roof liner, three 50 watt wireless charging pads (one front row, two second row) and six USB ports.

Also to be found are a 15.6-inch central touchscreen display and 10.25-inch digital instrument screen, a head-up display, a three-zone independent climate control system, a 14-speaker Dynaudio audio system and a 7.5 litre fridge with dual temperature control (offering adjustment between -6 and 50 degrees Celsius), located below the arm rest in between the front seats.

There’s also ambient lighting, a PM2.5 air cleaning system with a negative ion purifier, an electric tailgate and remote vehicle/air-conditioning start. As for safety and driver assistance equipment, the list for these includes eight airbags and the usual raft of ADAS kit, including adaptive cruise control, AEB, front and rear collision warning, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.

No pricing indicators as yet, but in China, the all-electric D9 is priced from RMB379,800 to RMB 469,800 (RM233,620 to RM289,000). In Singapore, where the EV was launched last month, the front-wheel drive D9 Elite is priced at SGD296,888 (RM983,770), while the D9 Grandeur AWD is priced at SGD341,888 (RM1.132 million), both including COE.

GALLERY: Denza D9 EV, right-hand drive first-batch production roll-off

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Learn more: Denza D9