Denza has confirmed that its plug-in hybrid D9 MPV is priced from £75,000 for the entry-level Elegance trim, with order books now open and deliveries scheduled for the end of 2026.
The D9 is Denza’s first seven-seater, and the big people mover is driven by an all-wheel-drive (AWD) plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain borrowed from parent company BYD.
The DM-i (dual-motor intelligent) system pairs a 1.5-litre, 119bhp turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor on each axle. The front unit produces 228bhp, and the rear generates 60bhp. While Denza has confirmed a 0-62mph time of 8.6 seconds, the D9’s total power output is still yet to be announced. However, a figure around 407bhp is logical to suggest.
Denza D9 battery and range
A 58.5kWh Flash battery sits under the D9’s floor, and gives it an electric-only range of 130 miles. BYD’s Flash charging technology means the pack can be charged from 10-70% in five minutes, from 10-97% in nine minutes, and from 20-97% in 12 minutes in conditions as cold as -30° Celsius.
When its internal combustion engine and two electric motors are combined, the Denza D9 has a total range of 590 miles.
Denza D9 trim levels and equipment
As with all BYD products, the Denza D9 isn’t shy about its standard equipment.
The Elegance model comes with full leather upholstery and a 1.1-square-meter panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade. Those sitting in the second row of seats have a digital display in their armrests, which allows them to manage their own dedicated climate-control and infotainment functions. A compartment to heat and cool food and drinks is also standard, as is a sound system developed by French audio specialists, Devialet.
Up front, heated and ventilated front seats offer a 10-point massage function, and the 15.9-inch infotainment system in the middle of the dashboard comes with the highly-regarded Google built-in system also used by the likes of Renault, Nissan, Volvo, and Polestar. In front of the driver sits a 10-25-inch digital instrument binnacle.
Step up to the £85,000 Ultimate trim, and this range-topping version of the Denza Z9 introduces a raft of additional features.
The sliding side doors and tailgate can be operated with a foot gesture, and the second row benefits from what Denza calls “zero-gravity” seats offering “first-class airline” levels of comfort. Each one has 14-way adjustment, 16-point massaging, and can recline up to 152 degrees. Each second-row passenger also gets their own 12.8-inch entertainment screen mounted to the back of the seats in front of them.
This top-tier car’s cabin is also trimmed entirely in Nappa leather across all three rows and wood trim, although questions remain about whether the material is taken from real tree. An additional 10.25-inch screen sits in front of the front passenger, and the driver benefits from a 12-inch head-up display projected onto the windscreen. Rear visibility is also improved, courtesy of a digital rear-view mirror display.
Each version of the Denza D9 comes with the brand’s DiSus-C active suspension system, which adjusts compression and rebound rates to ensure a relaxing journey.
Denza D9 practicality
With all seven seats in place, the Denza D9 offers between 430 and 570 litres of boot space depending on how they are positioned.
Fold them and use the D9 strictly as a four-seater, and loading capacity expands to 2,310 litres.
Denza UK history
Denza is BYD’s premium brand aimed squarely at the likes of Lexus, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. Upon its UK debut in July this year, the BYD-owned manufacturer launched the Z9 GT shooting brake, the Bao 5 off-roader, and the Porsche 911-rivalling Z alongside the D9.
Like the MPV, each model is now available to order, and customers will take delivery of their cars towards the end of next year and at the start of 2027. Right now, the Denza D9’s UK rivals will include the Mercedes VLE, the Xpeng X9, and the Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
