The Denza D9 may be a new name to most Malaysians, but it’s already making waves. Within just a week of its launch, over 800 bookings were placed—an impressive feat for a debut model from Denza Malaysia.
To give media a first-hand experience, Denza recently hosted a drive featuring the top-spec Premium AWD variant. Here’s what we found after spending time behind the wheel — and in the plush second-row seats — of this luxury electric MPV.
Overview – Denza D9 gets strong debut with competitive pricing
The Denza D9 is the brand’s first offering in Malaysia and clearly aims for the territory long dominated by Japanese rivals.
Priced from RM 259,000 for the Advanced FWD and RM 309,000 for the Premium AWD, the Denza D9 is not only competitive, it is priced within the same ballpark as reconditioned Toyota Alphards and Vellfires, never mind brand-new ones.
Size-wise, the D9 is a full-sized MPV, measuring 5,250 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, and 1,920 mm tall, with a generous 3,110 mm wheelbase — longer than the Toyota Alphard (3,000 mm).
| Eletric motor: | Dual, front and rear axles |
| Power: | 270 kW (374 PS), 470 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h: | 6.9 seconds |
| Range: | 480 km, WLTP |
| Charging speed: | 166 kW, DC fast charging |
| Charging time | 30 minutes, 30% to 80% |
The Premium AWD variant tested here features dual electric motors, producing a combined 270 kW (374 PS) and 470 Nm. Both variants are powered by a substantial 103.6-kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, offering up to 480 km of WLTP-rated range.
When connected with a suitable DC fast charger, the Denza D9 supports up to 166 kW of DC fast charging, requiring just 30 minutes to charge from 30% to 80% state-of-charge (SoC).
Built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, the Denza D9 shares its underpinnings with the Dolphin, Atto 3, and Seal.
Watch: 2025 Zeekr 009 vs Denza D9 EV in Malaysia
Exterior – Executive presence without excess
The Denza D9’s styling immediately sets the tone — bold, executive, and refined. The massive front grille with vertical slats may remind some of the Toyota Esquire, but here it works, giving the D9 a commanding road presence without being overly flashy.
Flanking the grille are sleek automatic LED headlights, connected by matte silver trim for a subtle premium touch. Turn signals are integrated at the outer edges of the front bumper.
Completing the look are 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 236/60R18 tyres, while the rear features a full-width LED light bar with intricate design details.
The Denza D9 also boasts luxury features such as soft-closing power-sliding doors, powered tailgate, rear panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree camera system.
Interior – Where you will want to be in
Step inside and you’re greeted with a 2+2+3 seating layout, with all seats upholstered in high-quality Nappa leather, available either in beige (only on Whale Sea Blue body colour) or brown. The front seats are power adjustable, ventilated, and offer eight-way adjustment.
But the second row is where the D9 truly shines. Each captain seat features:
- 10-way power adjustment
- Built-in touchscreen controls
- Extendable leg rests
- 10-point massage function
To complete the business-class feel, a dual-function fridge/warmer (ranging from -6°C to 50°C) sits between the front-row seats, easy for the second-row occupants to reach.
Add the suede headliner, wood veneer trim, and digital rear-view mirror, and the cabin of the Premium AWD variant feels nothing short of a rolling lounge.
Driving experience – Comfort first, performance second
As expected of a luxury MPV, the Denza D9 prioritizes passenger comfort over all else.
When stationary, the second-row captain seats are supremely comfortable. However, while on the move, we noticed the ride can feel slightly busy over imperfect road surfaces, especially for the occupants in the second- and third-row seats.
Surprisingly, switching to Sport mode slightly reduces this vertical motion, though it doesn’t fully iron out the bumps. At moderate speeds, the ride is much more composed, and passengers will likely find the experience enjoyable on smoother highways.
On the North–South Expressway (NSE), the D9 excels in cabin insulation. Thanks to laminated windows on the front and rear, NVH levels are impressively low. Tyre and wind noises are kept to a minimum — the latter only a bit more apparent when speeds touch the 130 km/h mark.
Behind the wheel, the D9 is surprisingly easy to maneuver. Light steering, combined with the 360-degree camera, makes parking and tight U-turns manageable despite its size.
Performance-wise, 374 PS and 470 Nm sound potent on paper, but with a kerb weight of 2,865 kg, acceleration is best described as adequate — it’s smooth, not sporty, and that’s exactly what it needs to be.
Audiophiles will appreciate the 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system, which delivers crisp vocals and punchy bass. The infotainment system’s built-in equalizer allows for further customization, and handled our Chinese pop playlist effortlessly.
Conclusion – Still want that recond Alphard?
The Denza D9 may not immediately convert brand-loyal Alphard buyers, but for those considering a reconditioned Alphard or Vellfire, this fully-electric MPV offers an extremely compelling alternative.
With a strong value proposition, long list offeatures, and a generous warranty package (6-year/150,000 km for the vehicle, 8-year/160,000 km for the battery, and 8-year/150,000 km for the motor and controller), the D9 stands tall in a competitive segment.
Add to that a Malaysia-Singapore-Thailand cross-border warranty programme, and the D9 becomes a serious consideration for long-distance travellers and business owners.
Priced from RM259,000 to RM309,000, the 2025 Denza D9 delivers style, comfort, tech, and electric mobility — all wrapped in a business-class package that’s hard to ignore.
