Denza, BYD’s luxury arm, is set to make its India debut on November 13 with the Z9 GT and D9 MPV. The D9 was recently spotted undisguised in India, following the Z9 GT’s sighting a few days earlier. The all-electric MPV is expected to be launched as a completely built unit (CBU) import, with prices likely to range from Rs 80 lakh to Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom). It will rival the MG M9 and serve as an all-electric alternative to the Toyota Vellfire.
- Has a 103.36kWh battery pack with a claimed WLTP range of up to 520km
- Gets LED lighting all around, 18-inch wheels and a massive grille
- Offers 7 seats; features dedicated screens for rear seat passengers
Denza D9: All you need to know
Internationally offered with a 103.36kWh battery with either FWD or AWD setup
The Denza D9 is sold globally in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric versions, with the all-electric version expected to be offered in India. It is available with a 103.36kWh BYD Blade battery pack, which has a claimed WLTP range of up to 520km. Internationally, the electric MPV is available in front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, although which version comes to India is yet to be revealed. The single-motor FWD version produces 313hp and 360Nm, while the dual-motor AWD setup produces 374hp and 470Nm.
Which features do you want in D9?
Gets a massive blanked-off grille, 18-inch alloys and LED lighting all around
The Denza D9 features an upright silhouette dominated by a large, blanked-off grille with intricate patterned elements. Thick silver strips flank the grille and merge seamlessly with the LED DRLs positioned below the dual-pod LED projector headlights. The lower section of the front bumper also gets a separate set of LED DRLs.
In profile, the MPV gets a straight beltline and roofline, along with 18-inch alloy wheels. It also features powered sliding doors with a soft-close function. At the rear, it features a chunky full-width LED taillight bar, Denza lettering on the powered tailgate and a silver strip on the lower bumper that adds contrast.
7-seater MPV gets a large touchscreen and feature-rich front and second-row seats
The international-spec Denza D9 gets a standard seven-seat layout, with all seats upholstered in Nappa leather. The cabin also features wood inserts and suede trims for a more premium feel. The second row gets individual captain seats with powered adjustment, ventilation, heating and massage functions, while the front seats also benefit from memory functions. Rear passengers get dedicated touchscreen controls integrated into the armrests, along with entertainment screens.
The dashboard houses a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a two-spoke steering wheel with touch-enabled controls. While most functions are operated through the touchscreen, the D9 retains physical buttons on the centre console, which also houses a wireless charging pad, two cupholders and a centre armrest with integrated storage.
Other features include a 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system, a panoramic sunroof, 3-zone climate control and ambient lighting. On the safety front, the MPV gets an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) suite, a 360-degree camera with a blind-spot monitor and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
As the India-spec model is expected to arrive as a CBU import, it is likely to retain most, if not all, of the features offered on the international-spec Denza D9 EV.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Hormazd Sorabjee
Kiran Murali
Saptarshi Mondal
