BYD entered 2025 at full throttle, following a record-breaking 2024. Not only did the automaker surpass 514,800 new energy vehicle (NEV) sales globally by December, but it also achieved a historic milestone as the first automaker to produce 10 million NEVs worldwide.

Demonstrating a rapid ascent, BYD reached the second set of 5 million NEVs in just 15 months. In Singapore alone, BYD led the market by registering 5,068 vehicles in 2024.

At the 2025 Singapore Motorshow, among the stellar lineup were two showstoppers: the YangWang U9 and the Denza D9. 

The YangWang U9 made its first appearance in Singapore. Equipped with the groundbreaking e4 platform, the U9 boasts four independent electric motors delivering 1,300 horsepower and 1,680 Nm of torque. It rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.36 seconds.

Its DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System, with features that allow the car to leap and “dance,” left spectators in awe.

Meanwhile, the Denza D9, celebrated as the “Best Electric MPV of the Year” by multiple publications (including us!), embodies versatility and sophistication. Available in Arctic White, Whale Sea Blue, Harbour Grey, and Cosmos Black, with luxe interiors in Brown or Beige, the Denza D9 caters to families and executives alike.

Attendees can experience the Elite FWD variant at $290,888 or the Grandeur AWD variant at $338,388 (inclusive of Motorshow discounts and COE rebates). 

BYD’s display also featured the eagerly awaited BYD Sealion 7. As the star of BYD’s electric SUV lineup, the Sealion 7 highlights the automaker’s commitment to accessibility and style for eco-conscious drivers.

Beyond automotive ingenuity, the BYD booth offered interactive activities and exclusive deals, with attendees vying for prizes like DENZA x Tocco Toscano accessories and a $10,000 travel voucher. Fans were also treated to an appearance by Li Nanxing, Denza’s official car ambassador, who delighted the crowd with a meet-and-greet session.

James Ng, Managing Director of BYD Singapore and Philippines, encapsulated the brand’s vision: “These models are just the beginning of our journey to revolutionise the automotive industry.”

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!

Denza is a relatively new marque, originating from a former partnership between BYD and Mercedes-Benz. Positioned as BYD’s premium arm, Denza aims to deliver vehicles that blend luxury and cutting-edge technology.

The Denza D9, which officially launched in Singapore back in October 2024, is poised to attract buyers seeking an alternative to conventional luxury MPVs such as the Toyota Alphard.

BYD has already established itself as a dominant force in Singapore’s electric vehicle (EV) market, leading sales charts and demonstrating a strong understanding of the local consumer’s appetite for EVs.

Building on this momentum, the Denza D9 seeks to provide discerning buyers with a spacious and technologically advanced MPV.  

Presence And Proportions

The Denza D9 is an imposing vehicle, stretching over 5.2 metres in length and nearly two metres in height.

Its dimensions give it a commanding presence on the road, while design elements such as vertical daytime running lights and a chrome-heavy grille lend it a distinctive aesthetic.

Despite its size, the D9 remains practical for urban environments, with a height that fits comfortably into most carparks.  

With A Focus On Comfort And Technology 

The interior of the Denza D9 exemplifies modern luxury. The driver’s area is equipped with a digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch infotainment display, and a head-up display.

Additionally, voice control functionality and a range of convenience features enhance the overall driving experience.

However, the true focus of the Denza D9 is its rear passenger space.

The middle-row seats offer a Business Class-level experience, with features such as ventilation, heating, and individual touchscreens for climate and entertainment controls.

High-quality materials, including Nappa leather, real wood accents and a 6.9 litre fridge elevate the cabin’s ambience.

Even the third row is designed to accommodate three adults comfortably, with sufficient legroom and dedicated air vents.

Passengers in all rows benefit from multiple USB-C ports, ensuring device connectivity throughout the journey.

The D9 also offers 410 litres of boot space, even with all seats in use.

Nimble On Its Feet Too

Available in two variants, this Elite front-wheel drive model features a single electric motor delivering 230kW and 360Nm of torque, propelling it from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds.  

With nearly 2.9 tonnes of mass to haul, putting that much torque through the front wheels comes with some noticeable wheelspin if you’re too heavy on the throttle.

But let’s be clear: outright speed isn’t the D9’s raison d’être. This MPV was built for comfort, and it excels in that department.

Despite lacking Denza’s advanced DiSus-C intelligent damping system, the Elite variant still delivers a plush ride. It handles potholes and road imperfections with ease, offering a smooth experience for its occupants.

Although, on bumpier stretches or when navigating speed humps, the D9’s long wheelbase and soft suspension occasionally introduce some vertical motion.  

However, considering its size and weight, the D9 handles admirably. It’s not only comfortable but surprisingly composed, ensuring that even the pickiest rear-seat passengers remain at ease.

At higher speeds, the cabin remains impressively quiet. At 80 km/h, road and wind noise are virtually nonexistent, creating a cocoon of serenity for those seeking a peaceful journey.  

The D9’s technological features further enhance the driving experience. Its panoramic imaging system and 360-degree cameras make navigating tight spaces a breeze. The “see-through” parking view, which offers a virtual look beneath the car, is a particularly clever touch.

What About Range? 

The Denza D9 comes equipped with a hefty 103.36 kWh battery, offering a quoted range of 520km. In real-world conditions, I managed a solid 460 km, a commendable figure for a vehicle of this size and weight.  

Charging is efficient, too, with a maximum DC fast-charging rate of 166kW. However, let’s face it: most D9 owners won’t be the ones standing by the charger, as this MPV is designed with a chauffeured lifestyle in mind.  

Should You Go Grandeur?  

For those considering the Grandeur variant, which includes all-wheel drive and additional luxury features, it’s undoubtedly an enticing upgrade.

But for most, the Elite trim offers more than enough to serve as a luxurious and capable family vehicle.

Luxury Meets Value  

Priced at $290,888 for the Elite FWD model, the D9 undercuts competitors like the Toyota Alphard, which currently sits at $399,888.

For its price, the D9 offers an impressive suite of features, build quality, and performance. Compared to other Chinese MPVs such as the MIFA 9 and MG 9, the D9’s premium offering justifies its position as a more upscale option. 

In a market increasingly receptive to new luxury brands, the Denza D9 is poised to carve out its niche. It’s not just a practical family vehicle but a rolling sanctuary for executives and those seeking a premium experience.  

Technical Specifications

Denza D9 Elite 

Powertrain: Single Electric Motor, Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 230 kW (308 bhp)
Torque: 360 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 9.5 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 160 km/h
Battery Capacity: 103.36 kWh
Drive Range: 520 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 4.5 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$290,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Denza Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

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

Denza D9 Grandeur 

Powertrain: Dual Electric Motors, All-Wheel Drive
Power: 275 kW (369 bhp)
Torque: 470 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 6.9 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 160 km/h
Battery Capacity: 103.36 kWh
Drive Range: 480 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 3.9 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$341,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Denza Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

The launch, which took place on October 10 at the Shangri-La hotel, marks Denza’s debut into the right-hand drive market beyond Hong Kong, where it first appeared in July. It is also a calculated first step as BYD eyes major Asia-Pacific markets.

Liu Xueliang, general manager of Asia-Pacific sales for BYD Auto, said “For each market, we will bring new technology and new models based on local demands,” revealing that Denza would hit other key markets in the near future.

These include Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. Although no exact launch dates were offered, it’s clear BYD is serious about it.

To back up their ambitions, BYD has already set up an assembly plant in Thailand, with more facilities planned in Indonesia and elsewhere. It’s a strategic move to ensure that Denza is embedded in the region’s automotive fabric. 

“We eventually want to offer a wide range of models to consumers covering ‘360 degrees’ of the market,” Liu added, underscoring the company’s goal to tailor their offerings for local markets.

And it’s not just Denza. Liu also mentioned that BYD is “seriously considering” bringing its other luxury brands, Fangchengbao and Yangwang, to Singapore and the region.

In Singapore, BYD is keeping things close to the chest, opting to self-distribute Denza rather than rely on third parties. To do this, they’ve brought in partners: Vantage Automotive and Harmony Auto, both established BYD dealers.

These dealers will be opening stand-alone showrooms for the luxury marque. Vantage’s showroom on Alexandra Road opened its doors on the same day as the launch, while Harmony Auto’s will follow suit on October 21 at Ubi Close.

Denza’s debut model, the D9 multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), comes in two variants: the D9 Elite priced at S$296,888 and the D9 Grandeur at S$341,888, both inclusive of COE.

Denza is clearly aiming for the luxury market, but they’re sweetening the deal with a battery warranty of 10 years or 200,000 km, significantly above the industry standard of eight years or 160,000 km.

And it seems the market is responding: a BYD representative confirmed that 300 orders have already been placed, split evenly between the two dealerships.

The Denza Z9 GT sedan is set to follow the D9, with a planned Singapore launch in mid-2024, further expanding the brand’s footprint in the luxury EV market.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!