DENZA, a premium sub brand of BYD, officially entered the Malaysian automotive market earlier today with the launch of its flagship model, the DENZA D9. With the tagline, “Redefining Sophistication,” Denza claims that it redefines luxury in modern mobility by combining elegant design, innovative technology, and sustainable performance. Expanding to a new premium segment for BYD, they aim to deliver an exceptional driving experience with Denza, demonstrating the company’s commitment to continuous innovation and greener mobility to meet the needs of a diverse market in Malaysia. This is actually quite an important move, as this sits as a competitor to the basically monopoly that the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire MPVs here have when it comes to a premium MPV.
Since launching its first model in 2014, DENZA has established itself as a premium brand, offering a range of elegant and exclusive models across SUV, MPV, and sedan segments. With a dedication to innovation and luxury, DENZA continues to make significant strides in its global expansion and this is why they are in Malaysia. The DENZA D9 premium MPV, is the first, and intends to provide unparalleled comfort and safety. First launched in 2022 as a smart and luxurious MPV, the DENZA D9 successfully balances business and personal needs. It brings some competition to the premium offering by Toyota here albeit in full battery electric form, like a BYD.
DENZA’s powerful e3 system encompasses three electric motors, rear-wheel steering, Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology, and Vehicle Motion Control (VMC), creating superior performance in diverse driving conditions. Further enhancing the driving experience is the DiSus intelligent body control system, featuring DiSus-C active suspension for stability in all conditions and DiSus-A for dynamic adjustments, maximizing comfort and optimizing off-road capabilities.
The D9 comes in either front wheel drive (fwd) or all-wheel drive(awd) and has 275kw on tap allowing it to do 0-100kmh in 6.9seconds and have a NEDC range of 580km. I think this should allow owners to get about 450km of real world mileage, which is industry standard for large sedans and MPVs which are battery EVs.
“Today marks a momentous occasion for DENZA as we officially launch in Malaysia, offering an innovative vehicle that redefines luxury driving. DENZA not only offers cutting-edge technology but also provides sustainable benefits aligned with a vision of an emission-free future. DENZA’s technology has already received an overwhelmingly positive response from global consumers, and we are incredibly enthusiastic to receive the same positive response from the Malaysian public,” said Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division.
Eagle Zhao, Managing Director of BYD Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. shares, ”The introduction of DENZA caters to the needs of diverse drivers within Malaysia, offering a more premium selection while expanding the product portfolio of BYD. With the launch of our first model, the DENZA D9 is our first pure electric EV MPV that combines advanced innovation, elegant design, and luxurious features. We look forward to seeing Malaysians experiencing DENZA and its premium and cutting-edge technology features.”
The DENZA D9 will be available in three exterior color options including Arctic White, Cosmos Black and Whale Sea Blue. For the interior, the DENZA D9 offers color choices of Beige and Brown, enhancing its visual appeal.
DENZA D9 will be available in Malaysia in two variants.
DENZA D9 Advanced (FWD): RM 259,000
DENZA D9 Premium (AWD): RM 309,000
The DENZA D9 will come with up to 8 years or 160,000 km mileage warranty for battery (SOH within >70 or above) and up to 8 years or 150,000 km on its drive motor and motor controller. DENZA D9 will also come with a vehicle warranty of up to 6 years or 150,000 km.’
So in terms of its prices, the FWD seems to be very competitive for what is on offer. You could get a grey import Toyota MPV or one of these brand new. It depends on whether you want a full EV or not is the issue here of course. Aside from that, DENZA also offers cross-border after-sales warranty service for DENZA users in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand at the brand launch event in Malaysia today.
This initiative, highlighted by Liu Xueliang, General Manager of Asia-Pacific Sales Division, aims to provide comprehensive vehicle usage support, ensuring a worry-free experience for users traveling across the three countries.
DENZA maintains a unified after-sales service standard, ensuring that users can enjoy high-standard, rigorous professional services. In the event of vehicle issues, the local service team will respond promptly to resolve problems for users. The repair process is simple and efficient, with a fast response time, effectively ensuring vehicle safety and performance after repairs.
Regarding owner benefits, an advanced system enables data inter-connectivity, providing precise data support for follow-up services and delivering more considerate, personalized experiences. The cross-border warranty in the three countries ensures transparent and reasonable costs, adopting local service charges standard, eliminating hidden fees. Additionally, DENZA users can enjoy a range of value-added services, including roadside assistance and high-quality customer service in all three countries.
The DENZA brand has established numerous service outlets in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, with extensive coverage to provide solid support for users on domestic and international long-distance journeys.
DENZA here in Malaysia is also proud to announce its strategic partnership with the renowned French luxury audio brand, DEVIALET. This collaboration, officially launched on March 22, 2023, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s ongoing commitment to blending smart technology with a holistic, sensory experience. Beyond steadfast investment in cutting-edge technology, DENZA understands that true luxury transcends the tangible—it encompasses an immersive and sensory journey. DEVIALET, globally celebrated for its superior sound engineering and elegant French design, perfectly aligns with DENZA’s relentless pursuit of innovation, luxury and performance.