Denza D9 Grandeur Review.

Featured, Rides

by Sean Loo, November 5, 2024

Ask someone to name a luxury car, and odds are you’ll hear a lineup of the usual suspects: BMW, Mercedes, Audi, maybe even a Lexus. Certainly not the Denza D9.

But in recent years, the Chinese have been elbowing their way onto that list with a kind of determination that other nations can only dream of.

And that’s precisely the attitude BYD brings with the new Denza D9; a bold, spacious MPV designed to rattle the established luxury names.

BYD’s answer to premium.

Denza is the result of a former joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz. If you haven’t heard of this new brand yet (maybe you didn’t tune in to Star Search 2024), it’s because the marque is fairly new in Singapore, with their official launch in October.

But, under BYD’s wing, Denza is already making a name as an upscale division, offering something a little different for those who might otherwise be eyeing European badges.

Singapore’s appetite for BYD cars is on the rise. The brand leads the sales charts here, and this success seems to have emboldened BYD to bring Denza to our shores, joining the fight for premium MPV buyers who might otherwise be looking at, say, Toyota’s Alphard.

But unlike the Alphard, the D9 is all-electric and fully equipped to offer families a ride that’s as tech-savvy as it is spacious.

commanding on the outside.

At over 5.2 metres long and nearly two metres tall, the Denza D9 is visually a statement piece in every sense.

Sure, you might call the D9’s design a bit “inspired” by its MPV rivals, but in fairness, there’s only so much you can do with a big, boxy shape.

To stand out further, Denza has added a few unique touches, such as vertical daytime running lights that frame the massive grille. The chrome-draped front end commands attention, even if it doesn’t need a grille at all.

Despite the imposing size, the D9 remains carpark-friendly with a height that fits into most local parking structures.

grand on the inside.

Inside, the D9 doesn’t hold back. The driver’s seat features everything you need, from a digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch infotainment display, a head-up display, voice assistant, and even massage functionality (only on the Grandeur spec).

That said, some controls, like fan speed, are buried in sub-menus, making quick adjustments trickier than they should be.

The fit and finish are impressive, giving the cabin a truly upscale feel. But let’s be real, the driver’s seat isn’t where you want to be in this car.

on to real business.

The back is where you want to be. Middle-row seats come with Business Class-style luxuries; plush, heated and ventilated seats, personal touchscreens for climate and entertainment controls, and the kind of legroom usually reserved for first-class.

Real wood, soft Nappa leather, and a suede-lined roof bring a traditional sense of luxury, while the 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system adds an audiophile-grade touch for the discerning passenger.

You’ve also got USB-C ports powerful enough to charge a MacBook Pro, and a cheekily named “boss button” that scoots the front passenger seat forward for maximum legroom.

Denza even threw in a 6.9-litre fridge in the centre console, complete with cooling and heating modes and a dedicated “fresh keeping” setting.

Unlike most MPVs, the third row isn’t an afterthought either. Three adults can sit comfortably, with legroom that remains generous as long as second-row passengers aren’t hogging it.

Rear AC vents and USB-C ports ensure back-seaters aren’t left out of the comfort loop.

Even with all seats up, you still have 410 litres of boot space to play around with. Impressive.

quiet, quick, and surprisingly nimble.

Under the hood, the Denza D9 means business. This all-electric MPV comes in two variants, with this Grandeur all-wheel drive version sporting dual motors that deliver 275kW and 470Nm of torque, taking it from 0-100 km/h in a quick 6.9 seconds.

Impressive, especially considering its almost 2.9-tonne weight. Of course, speed isn’t really the point here. Comfort is, and the D9 doesn’t disappoint.

The Grandeur’s active suspension, equipped with DENZA’s DiSus-C intelligent damping, is adept at keeping body roll in check and ensuring a smooth ride. However, it’s not without its limitations.

On particularly bumpy patches and speed humps, the D9’s long wheelbase and extremely soft suspension reveal some unavoidable vertical movement. But considering the size and heft of this MPV, it handles remarkably well, with comfort levels that will satisfy even the most particular of rear-seat passengers.

Strangely enough, I would wager that the Sport setting in DiSus-C is actually more comfortable for general driving, as the damping is stiffer but still comfortable enough, minimising vehicle oscillation.

The D9 is also almost eerily silent. At 80 km/h, there’s virtually no road or wind noise, creating a serene environment ideal for those who want to sink back and relax. The panoramic imaging system also proves helpful in tight spots, and the all-round cameras even provides a “see-through” view, a nifty touch for parking.

what about range?

Don’t worry. Battery-wise, the D9 comes with a massive 103.36 kWh pack, delivering a quoted range of 480 km. In real-world testing, I managed about 443km, a respectable figure given the car’s size and weight.

The 166kW max DC charging rate is pretty quick too, but let’s be honest, D9 owners likely won’t be the ones plugging in the charger anyway.

taking luxury in spades.

Now, pricing. The Grandeur AWD sits at $341,888, while the Elite FWD model is priced at $296,888. These are significantly lower than the Alphard’s current price of $407,888 (accurate at the time of this article).

Among full-size MPVs, the D9 offers more quality, features, and performance than comparable Chinese models like the MIFA 9, MG 9, and Zeekr 009, justifying its slightly higher price tag. And in a market like Singapore that’s growing increasingly receptive to new luxury brands, it might just carve a niche of its own.

This is a car for executives, for families who want a premium experience on the road, a space that offers both function and form. It might need a few tweaks here and there, but as a whole, the D9 brings undeniable value.

And if their ambitious rollout is any indication, Denza (and BYD) is ready to change perceptions and raise the bar along the way.

technical specifications.