Denza D9 Electric First Drive Review: A Veritable Challenge to the Status Quo

What we like:

Competitive power, range and price

Proper luxury features and build quality

What we dislike:

Will luxury buyers accept a brand new badge?

BYD is positioning the Denza D9 to be a heavyweight contender in the luxury EV MPV market, particularly in Southeast Asia, where the segment has long been dominated by the likes of the Toyota Alphard. In Singapore, the Alphard has become synonymous with the luxury MPV moniker, catering to executives and families who value comfort and status. That narrative however, is rapidly changing—driven by the rise of EVs that offer superior performance at competitive prices.

Chinese automakers have well-capitalised on this shift and now seem to be churning out a slew of high-end electric MPVs. Maxus led the charge with the MIFA 9 and recently the MIFA 7, while the Zeekr 009 will soon join the ranks. EV powertrains, with their instantaneous torque and near-silent operation, are well suited to large, heavy MPVs. They deliver a smoother, more refined driving experience, and also provide substantial power to move these sizable vehicles effortlessly.

The shift toward electric luxury MPVs is not just about sustainability; it’s about performance, refinement, and meeting the evolving demands of affluent buyers who now prioritize both power and environmental responsibility.

Denza's Growing Presence: A Strategic Focus on Singapore and Beyond

Denza has been making significant strides globally and in Singapore to establish itself in the luxury EV market. In Singapore, the brand is opening its first dedicated flagship showroom along Alexandra Road designed to offer an immersive experience, combining high-end service with a seamless blend of online and in-store interaction.

Globally, the brand operates several flagship stores in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai and has plans to increase its network to over 100 stores worldwide, covering key markets in Europe and Asia.

A Visit to BYD’s Changsha Factory: Crafting Perfection

We had the generous opportunity to visit BYD's Changsha Manufacturing Base in China, a sprawling 300,000-square-meter (or 30-hectare) facility—the equivalent of a small neighbourhood in Singapore! BYD’s Changsha factory is a vital part of its push to dominate the global EV market, particularly in the luxury segment. Located in the Yuhua Economic Development Zone, the facility underwent a significant US$468.5 million expansion to boost production capacity. Initially focused on electric buses like the BYD K9, the plant now also produces luxury electric vehicles such as the Denza D9.

To put the size of the facility into perspective, it took us about 10 minutes (by bus) to reach the final assembly facility from the gate. It is simply massive. The Changsha facility is said to be able to produce up to 300,000 new vehicles annually, with every aspect of manufacturing—from battery technology to final assembly—controlled in-house, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective production. From what we observed, the factory is also heavily reliant on automation—think robotic arms swivelling and turning in synchronous harmony with factory workers. In fact, the automation rate at the facility exceeds 80%! Talk about a well-oiled machine.

Walking through the state-of-the-art production line, it was clear that Denza is not just aiming for efficiency but for perfection in every detail of this luxury MPV. The buzz of innovation was palpable, from the precision robotics assembling the vehicle's body to the meticulous hand-finishing of its premium interior materials. A truly symbolic moment for the brand—not just the birth of another vehicle, but the dawn of a new contender in the luxury electric market. Now, onto the car itself.

Exterior: The Next Big Thing?

At first sight, the Denza D9 strikes a commanding presence. Its dimensions—5,250 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,920 mm in height—are on par with close rivals in its segment, but its styling is decidedly more refined. The front end features a wide, intricately detailed grille flanked by striking LED headlights, which might resemble an Alphard from afar, albeit with softer, more cohesive lines.

The sleek exterior gives the D9 a sophisticated yet imposing stance, a characteristic vital for a luxury MPV. But where the Denza D9 truly shines is in its attention to detail, from chrome accents to soft-close doors. It’s clear that BYD has spared no effort in making this vehicle visually appealing, inside and out.

Interior: Familiar, yet Class-Leading

Stepping inside the Denza D9 is like entering a first-class lounge. The spacious cabin is designed to accommodate seven adults comfortably, living up to its "777" concept of offering roominess without compromising on elegance. The Nappa leather seats, real wood veneers, and extensive use of soft-touch materials give it a truly premium feel. The seating configuration is perfect for both chauffeured executives and families looking for unparalleled comfort.

One of the standout features is the second row, where the power-adjustable captain’s chairs come with their own infotainment screens and massage functions. These seats are reminiscent of those you’d find in top-dollar MPVs such as the Lexus LM, but the D9 takes things a step further with a built-in refrigerator (that is ice-cold), ideal for keeping your cold-brewed lattes handy during long journeys.

In terms of technology, you’re immediately greeted by a huge central touchscreen spanning 15.6 inches across the dashboard. We found this setup relatively easy to navigate, and toggling between the climate control and entertainment features was a breeze—an important consideration for many wanting a fuss free get-go commute daily. Building ergonomic yet luxurious interiors these days is a fine line to tread, and credit must go to the Denza’s interior designers for striking a great balance between visual harmony and physical tactility.

Performance: Seamless with Excellent Range

The Denza D9 is available in two powertrain options: an all-electric version (BEV) and a plug-in hybrid (that won’t be available in Singapore for now). Our test unit was the pure-electric version, powered by a 103 kWh battery, providing an impressive 620 km range on a single charge. Acceleration is quick for an MPV of this size, with the vehicle managing a 0-100 km/h sprint in under 8 seconds.

Thanks to its dual-motor setup, the D9 provides seamless power delivery with impressive torque that makes it feel decently nimble despite its bulk. The vehicle’s DiSus-C intelligent damping system ensures that the ride remains smooth, even on rougher terrain, while BYD's advanced regenerative braking system adds to its overall efficiency.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Denza D9’s performance is its ultra-fast charging capability. Using an 800V platform, the vehicle can gain up to 230 km of range in just 15 minutes at a fast-charging station—ideal for prospective owners without home chargers.

Behind the Wheel: An MPV You’d Love to Drive Yourself

Following the highly anticipated factory roll-off of the right-hand-drive Denza D9 in Changsha, we concurrently had the opportunity to put this new luxury EV through its paces, giving us a glimpse of the handling prowess of the vehicle.

Our initial drive was nothing short of exhilarating, and absolutely thrilling (in a great way). We were tasked with navigating a series of tight turns, hard accelerations and braking on a tight circuit course set up on the factory grounds—a scenario you’d only encounter if you were evading pursuers!

How did the car fare? Well, for one, it dispels its 2-tonne heft under hard acceleration with ease, and is able to reach 100km/h in a linear manner that won’t induce nausea in rear passengers—something many potential EV buyers overlook.

You can tell that the Denza engineers put significant thought into the car’s handling capabilities. The steering is light and easy to pilot, and yet does not lack feedback. Together with the suspension setup, it handled the tight s-bends with relative composure and little body-roll. This is definitely an engaging MPV you'd love to drive yourself.

The Road Ahead for the Denza D9

The launch of the D9 in Singapore heralds Denza’s clear intent to cement itself as a formidable brand to attract affluent drivers in Singapore. This vehicle isn’t just another attempt at premium motoring; it’s a game-changing luxury MPV that could disrupt the dominance of long-established Japanese and European brands. With an expected price of approximately S$300,000 (including COE), the Denza D9 is nothing short of a compelling overall package.

This review is a follow-up to our coverage of the Denza D9 factory roll-off in Changsha, which signalled BYD’s commitment to reshaping the luxury EV segment. For more details on the roll-off event, check out our previous article here.

Photos by Chin Hui and Denza

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