Denza D9 EV bookings open in Malaysia; here’s what to expect?

KUALA LUMPUR: With BYD causing a stir in the Malaysian EV market, Sime Motors is ready to bring the Chinese conglomerate’s premium sub-brand Denza to the country. The company has started accepting bookings for the first Denza EV, the D9.

For starters, Denza was founded in 2010 and was jointly owned by BYD and Mercedes-Benz. However, In 2021, the German marque started reducing its stake in the JV and finally transferred all its remaining shares to BYD in September 2024.

Coming back to the Denza D9, it is the brand's first global RHD model, offered in both plug-in hybrid and pure EV forms in the home market; however, Malaysia is bound to get the electric version only.

Denza D9: What to expect?

Dimensions

The Denza D9 is an all-electric premium MPV that measures 5,250 mm in length, 1,950 mm in width, and 1,920 mm in height and spans a wheelbase of 3,110 mm.

Design 

The MPV features a sophisticated and futuristic design with clean aerodynamic lines and an imposing front end dominated by a huge, intricate grille featuring vertical chrome bars. The grille is edged by sleek headlights that seamlessly merge into the design. 

Further adding to the vehicle’s impressive road presence is the elongated silhouette that highlights its spacious interior. Other key highlights include large sail-like D-pillars, a full-width tail light bar, and 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

Drivetrain, range, and charging 

In the global market, the Denza D9 EV comes in two guises - FWD and AWD. The specifications are as follows - 

Electric motor	Single front-wheel drive electric motor	Dual electric motors (one at each axle)
Max power	313 PS	374 PS
Max torque	360 Nm	470 Nm
0-100 kmph acceleration	9.5 seconds	6.9 seconds
Battery	103 kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate	103 kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate
Range (WLTP)	520 km	480 km

Interior

In terms of interior bits, the EV is likely to mirror the Thai-spec model, which comes loaded with the following features - 

• 10.25-inch digital instrument display
• 15.6-inch infotainment unit
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system
• 50-watt Qi wireless chargers (three units)

• Keyless entry with push-button start
• Powered front and sliding doors
• Triple-zone climate control system
• Power-adjustable and ventilated front seats with a massage system
• Nappa leather upholstery
• Digital rear-view mirror

Safety

Like other BYD EVs, the upcoming Denza D9 is also packed with multiple airbags and an array of advanced driver-assistance systems, including - 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Front and rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear collision warning
• Lane centring assist
• Door opening warning
• Driver attention monitor
• Automatic high beam

Denza D9 Price

While no information is yet available on the Denza D9 price in Malaysia, we can refer to the Thai market for a reference. The MPV retails between THB 1,999,900 (approx RM 262k) and THB 2,699,900 (approx RM 354k) in the Land of Smiles.

Conclusion 

The Denza D9 appears to be a well-equipped, stylish EV that raises the bar in the premium MPV segment. It will be giving tough competition to the Toyota Alphard, Toyota Vellfire, and Zeekr 009 In Malaysia.

AAlso read: BYD owners get better support with Sime Motors' expanded aftersales network