BYD's Denza D9 BEV/PHEV updated in China, brings back physical buttons - Coming to Malaysia?

Denza, the joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz, has updated the Denza D9 MPV in China. Prices start from CNY 339,800 to CNY 600,600 (around RM 221k to RM 391k) across both Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and (plug-in hybrid) PHEV variants.

Exterior wise, the Denza D9 remains largely unchanged. The BEV model showcases a waterfall-style grille, while the PHEV version displays a large diamond-cut grille. The rear features a single full-width taillight unit. A new addition is soft-closing doors.

Also read: This is China's electric Alphard: Denza D9 sold 3,000 units in 30 minutes, available as EV or PHEV

Inside, occupants are greeted with a 15.6-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch LCD instrument panel. Departing from the trend of touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, the updated D9 opts for physical buttons for a more tactile experience.

A four-seat variant named Pioneer is offered, positioned as the most luxurious variant. It features an advanced air purification system, 18-way electric seat adjustments, 18-point massage functionality, and a large screen for second-row passengers. Deliveries of the D9 Pioneer are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of this year.

The PHEV lineup comprises three variants, each incorporating a turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine (139 PS/231 Nm) coupled with a front-mounted electric motor rated at 231 PS/340 Nm. The AWD version features a second electric motor (61 PS/110 Nm) mounted on the rear axle.

Meanwhile, the BEV lineup comprises two variants - the EV 620 and EV 600. The EV 620 features a 313 PS/360 Nm front-mounted electric motor with energy supplied by a 103.36 kWh LFP battery, offering a 620 km CLTC range.

The EV 600 variant is equipped with the same front motor, plus a rear motor for a combined output of 374 PS/470 Nm. It gets the same 103.36 kWh battery as the EV 620, providing a 600 km CLTC range.

Will the Denza D9 be launched in Malaysia?

At present, BYD has not introduced its PHEV models in markets with right-hand drive (RHD) configurations. The right-hand drive version of the Denza D9 has not been unveiled yet, having been showcased in Thailand and Singapore as a left-hand drive (LHD) unit, and will likely be offered in those regions as a BEV-only model.

We’ve reported that BYD intends to expand its portfolio to include PHEVs in Malaysia. Whether this expansion includes its subsidiary brands such as Denza or Yangwang remains uncertain at this early stage. But considering the introduction of sub-brands like Jaecoo by rivals such as Chery in Malaysia, it’s not a possibility to be ruled out.

Also read: BEV alone is not enough, BYD to launch PHEVs in Malaysia - New gen Seal U DM-i?