PETALING JAYA: Denza, the premium marque under China automaker BYD, will soon make its official debut here in Malaysia with the rollout of its first model — the D9.
With expectations that this all-electric seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) could be priced at around RM300,000, two versions are offered with an entry-level Advanced front-wheel drive (FWD) variant and a range-topping Premium with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system. The D9 is also available as a plugin-hybrid in China.
The D9 is set to launch in Malaysia on Feb 20, taking the fight directly to the Zeekr 009 and provides a lower-priced alternative to the combustion-engined Toyota Alphard/Vellfire that have long dominated the local MPV scene.
Xpeng and Great Wall Motor are also due to introduce their luxury MPVs into Malaysia this year, adding more variety and livening up the luxury MPV space.
The D9 looks more conventional than the futuristic styling of the 009. It has a 3,110mm wheelbase, is 5,250mm long, 1,950mm wide and 1,920mm tall.
Fitted with 18-inch wheels with 235/60 series tyres as standard, the Advanced variant; weighing in at about 2,600kg (kerb), will feature an electric motor mounted on the front axle providing 230kW (312PS) and 360Nm of torque that allows it to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 9.5 seconds.
Powering the electric motor should be a 103.36kWh LFP "Blade" battery that gives the MPV a 520km (WLTP) range on a full charge. It supports 11kW AC charging and 166kW DC fast charging.
Fast charging from 30% to 80% takes about 30 minutes while a 10-minute charge can extend its range by up to 150km.
The AWD Premium variant taps into the same battery capacity. The additional 45kW electric motor sitting on the rear axle pairs with the 230kW front motor for a total system output of 275kWh (374PS)and 470Nm of torque.
Despite being heavier at 2,700kg, the Premium is capable of sprinting from standstill to 100kph in 6.7 seconds. WLTP range is rated at 480km.
Standard kit includes a powered tailgate, power-sliding rear doors, front doors with a soft-closed system and LED illumination for the front and rear lights.
Inside, expect plenty of creature comforts that include plush and powered leather upholstered seats, manual fold-down third-row seats, front sunroof, rear moon roof and a 6.8-litre power-retractable cooler box (-6 to 50-degree Celsius).
Other features are keyless entry with push-start button, remote-start, pre-climate function, tri-zone climate controls, manual side window blinds, fold-out tables and a control panel built into the inner armrests of both second-row captain seats which come with individual Type-C ports, ventilation, 10-way power adjustability and massage function.
The front seats provide eight-way powered adjustability, while a PM2.5 filter and ioniser help to keep the cabin healthy.
Adding to the seemingly non-exhaustive list of standard kit is a fixed 15.6-inch central touchscreen display, premium 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system, three 50W wireless charge pads, four more Type-C ports and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster reserved for the driver.
Spend more money on the Premium variant, and one will also get massage and memory function for the driver's seat, Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim and a heads-up display.
Safety is not neglected. The D9 is equipped with advanced driver aid systems and eight airbags. Among the key features to note are adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, front and rear cross-traffic alert with auto brake function, rear collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and lane change assist.
