Denza D9

Inside, the Denza D9 features a luxurious cabin filled with premium comfort features and cutting-edge technology. Upfront, you are greeted by an intelligent interactive cockpit, which consists of a 10.25-inch full-LCD 3D instrument cluster, a 12-inch head-up display, a multicontrol steering wheel wrapped in leather, and an aircraft-like center console with a modern gear lever.  

Meanwhile, all passengers can enjoy a 15.6-inch ultra-HD center console screen that is equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, 4G network connectivity, and an OTA remote upgrade, and is linked to a 14-speaker Dynaudio Hi-Fi Class Sound System, which delivers premium acoustics around the cabin. 

In terms of comfort and practicality, the D9 has plenty of room for seven passengers and an expansive luggage capacity. Its premium Nappa leather seats are plush and very supportive even on long-distance trips. In addition, its first and second row seats also come with a massage function. The middle row is arguably the best spot inside the cabin, courtesy of its zero-gravity seats with multifunction integrated armrest touchpads. 

For more convenience, this luxury MPV also comes with three 50W mobile phone wireless chargers (front: 1, middle row: 2), 6 USB ports, a high-efficiency filter with activated carbon, a PM2.5 green cleaning system, and a refrigerator among others.

In terms of dimensions, the Denza D9 measures 5,250 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,920 mm in height. This luxury MPV also comes with a 3,110-mm wheelbase. 

The Denza D9’s appearance screams luxury and sophistication whenever it passes by. A huge grille, which looks aggressive and elegant at the same time, defines its ‘Motion’ front face design. It sports confident-looking LED automatic headlights with LED DRLs. Additionally, its headlights also come with an intelligent high beam control function.

From the side, chrome accents along the window line and side skirts give the D9 a sleek, upscale silhouette. This plug-in hybrid MPV comes with electric folding mirrors and middle row electric sliding doors, which just enhance the overall luxurious aura of its side profile. It runs on an elegant set of 18-inch wheels.  

Meanwhile, its rear features a modern, elegant design, accentuated by Denza’s LED ‘star-feather’ taillights and a clean ‘DENZA’ lettering. For enhanced passenger convenience, this MPV also comes with an electric tailgate with a position memory function. And, to complete its overall prestigious look, it gets a 1.1 m panoramic canopy with electric sunshades on top.

The Denza D9 comes with a MacPherson Strut suspension at the front, while a Multi-Link at the rear. Its setup is also equipped with the brand’s DiSus-C intelligent damping suspension. That said, this luxury MPV delivers a supple and very luxurious riding experience for everyone on board. For its size, it also handles quite well and is pretty agile to maneuver. 

The Denza D9 runs on a hybrid system that combines two AC permanent magnet synchronous motors with a 1.5L engine, which delivers 96 kW and 220 Nm of torque. Its front motor produces 170 kW and 340 Nm of torque, while its rear motor generates 45 kW and 110 Nm of torque. Its motors are powered by a 40-kWh BYD Blade battery pack that offers a 180-km NEDC pure electric range.

Combined, its hybrid system delivers 299 kW, 681 Nm of torque, and a comprehensive range of up to 980 km. This MPV comes mated to an electric hybrid drive system and utilizes an all-wheel drivetrain. It is also equipped with four drive modes: Standard, Economy, Sport, and Snow.

On the highway, the D9 is peppy, yet non-intimidating at the same time. You have plenty of torque on tap, allowing you to effectively perform quick overtakes and pass through steep inclines. It delivers impressive pure EV and comprehensive ranges, making it a reliable daily city driver and a very capable long-distance tourer.

Safety is one of the main strengths of the Denza D9. It is equipped with a very long list of safety features. It comes with a comprehensive ADAS suite (DiPilot), which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert and brake, intelligent cruise control, blind spot detection, emergency lane keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. 

This luxury MPV uses ventilated discs for both front and rear braking. Its braking setup is also supported by hydraulic brake boost and assist, electric parking brake system, electronic traction control system, electronic brake pre-charging system, brake disc wiping system, and electronic brakeforce distribution among others.

In my opinion, the Denza D9 is a game-changer in the local luxury MPV segment. It delivers a riding experience that comes close to models like the Lexus LM, while undercutting the Toyota Alphard in terms of price.