Tuesday, 28 October 2025 23:52

BYD Denza D9 2025 - Premium MPV review

BYD Denza D9 2025 BYD Denza D9 2025 BYD

The Chinese premium brand Denza, a subsidiary of BYD Auto, has officially launched the 2025 model year of its Denza D9, a large luxury multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) available in both plug-in hybrid (PHEV/DM-i) and fully electric (EV) variants. Designed for comfort, efficiency, and high technology, the D9 aims to challenge established rivals in global MPV markets. It combines cutting-edge engineering with executive-level refinement and sets a new benchmark for luxury people movers.

Table of contents:

Exterior Design

The 2025 Denza D9 stands out with a bold, sophisticated exterior that merges elegance with aerodynamics, giving it a distinctive presence among premium MPVs. Its front fascia features a large diamond-pattern grille on the hybrid model, while the EV variant adopts a closed grille and illuminated Denza emblem to signify its electric identity. The sleek LED headlights with dynamic indicators and a sculpted bumper reinforce the premium design language.

The D9’s proportions - 5,250 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,920 mm in height - make it one of the largest and most commanding MPVs in its segment. The vehicle rides on 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels, with chrome accents along the window line and flush-fitting door handles for aerodynamic efficiency. At the rear, a continuous LED light bar spans the tailgate, joined by a subtle roof spoiler that enhances its athletic yet luxurious appearance.

The D9’s exterior color palette includes Glacier White, Star Silver, Ink Black, and Ocean Blue, while upper trims add two-tone body finishes with contrasting roofs. Every design detail, from the low drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd to the integrated lighting elements, reflects Denza’s intent to rival models from Lexus and Mercedes-Benz in both form and function.

Performance and Powertrain

The Denza D9 offers two distinct powertrains: a plug-in hybrid using BYD’s DM-i Super Hybrid system and a fully electric model built on the e-Platform 3.0 architecture. The PHEV combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with one or more electric motors, delivering over 400 horsepower. Depending on the variant, it provides up to 200 km of pure electric range and more than 1,000 km of total driving range. The system is paired with an e-CVT transmission that ensures smooth transitions between combustion and electric power.

The fully electric D9 is powered by BYD’s 103.36 kWh Blade LFP battery, achieving a range of up to 620 km on the CLTC cycle, with fast charging replenishing 30–80% in approximately 25 minutes. The electric model’s dual-motor setup offers instant torque and all-wheel drive capability, ensuring stability and quiet performance even on long journeys.

"It drives better than you'd think for a large people mover, and benefits from luxury interior finishes and high specification." - Matt Campbell


The D9’s ride quality is defined by excellent refinement, thanks to independent rear suspension, active noise cancellation, and double-glazed windows that isolate road noise effectively.
Steering is light but precise, making it easy to maneuver despite its size. Regenerative braking transitions seamlessly, enhancing efficiency and comfort. This vehicle has clearly been tuned for executive-level smoothness rather than dynamic agility, prioritizing passenger serenity above all else.

Interior and Practicality

The Denza D9’s cabin is designed around the passengers, blending technology, luxury, and comfort to create a genuinely high-end travel experience. Inside, it features a 15.6-inch floating touchscreen with a rotating interface, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and two additional displays for rear passengers. The user interface is responsive and runs BYD’s DiLink system with full smartphone integration.

The second row features zero-gravity captain’s chairs with power adjustment, ventilation, heating, and massage functions, reflecting a level of comfort comparable to business-class airline seating. Rear passengers also enjoy an integrated refrigerator, multiple USB-C ports, and ambient lighting with 64 selectable colors. The third row, though smaller, is suitable for adults on shorter trips, and all rear seats can be folded to expand cargo capacity.

Interior materials include Nappa leather upholstery, real wood inserts, and aluminum switchgear that enhance the sense of craftsmanship throughout the cabin. The Denza D9’s quietness and comfort-oriented layout make it particularly well-suited for family travel or chauffeured business use, distinguishing it from mainstream MPVs in both refinement and technology.

Availability and Markets

United Kingdom

The Denza D9 is expected to arrive in the United Kingdom in 2026, following homologation for right-hand-drive configuration and regional emissions certification. While official pricing is yet to be confirmed, projections suggest a starting price around £62,000 for the EV model. This positions the D9 competitively against the Lexus LM, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, and Volkswagen Multivan. BYD plans to leverage its expanding UK retail network to introduce Denza as its dedicated luxury brand, ensuring strong aftersales and warranty support.

Europe

In continental Europe, the Denza D9 will go on sale in late 2025, with prices starting from approximately €72,000, placing it firmly in the premium MPV segment. The D9 will be available in both PHEV and EV variants, targeting families, corporate fleets, and executive transport companies. In markets such as Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands, where EV infrastructure is well developed, the fully electric version is expected to dominate sales. Early previews in European auto shows have drawn attention to its build quality and advanced driver-assistance systems.

United States

As of now, BYD and Denza have confirmed no plans to sell the D9 to American consumers.

"We are not planning to launch any consumer car in the US at present." - BYD spokesperson


Industry observers note that BYD may eventually reconsider this position once the brand achieves stronger recognition and regulatory conditions improve for Chinese EV makers in the U.S. market.
For now, Denza’s focus remains on Asia-Pacific and Europe, where infrastructure and acceptance for electrified MPVs are growing rapidly.

Australia

The Denza D9 is confirmed to launch in Australia in 2025 through BYD’s official importer, EVDirect. Pricing is expected to start at around AUD 80,000 for the hybrid model and reach AUD 120,000 for the top electric trim. Australian reviewers have already praised its quality and driving refinement, noting that it offers a true luxury alternative to models such as the Kia Carnival Platinum and Hyundai Staria Highlander. With its dual powertrain options and seven-seat practicality, the D9 could redefine the local premium people mover segment.


The 2025 BYD Denza D9 stands as a showcase of BYD’s technical maturity and luxury ambition, combining advanced hybrid and EV technology with an interior that prioritizes passenger comfort, quietness, and design sophistication.
It reflects the growing confidence of Chinese automakers in challenging established European and Japanese brands, proving that luxury and innovation can coexist in a family-oriented MPV.

 

Source: CarExpert, CarNewsChina, CarSauce, Carscoops, Reuters, WIRED, YouTube

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