As 2024 winds down, BYD (BYDDY) is gearing up to deliver an updated version of its luxury MPV, the Denza D9. This latest iteration, set to debut on December 26, promises enhanced tech, refined design, and improved performance.
With deliveries slated to begin before the Lunar New Year, the Denza D9 aims to revitalize its presence in a competitive market. Let’s dive into what makes this next-gen MPV worth a second look.
A Familiar Design, Polished to Shine
At first glance, the 2025 Denza D9 doesn’t stray far from its predecessor’s design language—but the devil is in the details. The front grille now features sleek L-shaped chrome accents, adding a contemporary edge to its already imposing facade.
The rear hasn’t been left out either, with a full-width LED light bar and new badging proudly proclaiming its BYD lineage. Buyers can also opt for a fresh “brilliant purple” paint job, adding flair to this sophisticated ride.
The dimensions remain nearly unchanged, standing tall at 5,250mm long, 1,960mm wide, and 1,900mm high, with a wheelbase of 3,110mm. While the slight reduction in height (20mm) might go unnoticed, it contributes to a more aerodynamic profile.
Tech-Savvy Interior: Comfort Meets Innovation
Step inside, and the 2025 Denza D9 greets you with a luxurious yet tech-heavy cockpit. A floating center console dominates the dashboard, flanked by an LCD instrument cluster and a passenger-exclusive touchscreen. Features like a head-up display and a streaming rear-view mirror cater to modern convenience, while the Devialet sound system promises a concert-like audio experience.
Passengers in the second row are treated to captain chairs with 16-point massage functionality and a Zero Gravity mode. Even third-row passengers aren’t left out, with newly added ventilation, heating, and electric adjustment options. BYD clearly wants every ride in the Denza D9 to feel like first class.
Performance: Plug-In Hybrid Power with a Range to Match
Under the hood, the Denza D9 features BYD’s fifth-generation DM hybrid system, combining a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (115kW) with electric motors. The front motor delivers up to 200kW, while the optional rear motor adds 45kW, providing an all-wheel-drive option. The system’s standout feature is its impressive hybrid range of 1,100km, ideal for long-haul family trips.
For those leaning toward electric-first driving, the 39.9kWh battery offers a pure electric range of 145–155km, depending on the model. While the fuel consumption has improved slightly (6.65–7.15L/100km), it’s clear BYD has prioritized efficiency alongside performance.
Safety and Smarts: LiDAR and DiPilot
The integration of LiDAR and BYD’s advanced DiPilot 300 system (nicknamed “God’s Eye”) marks a significant leap forward. This system brings semi-autonomous driving features like Navigate-on-Autopilot and intelligent parking. While competitors like the Voyah Dreamer have dominated recent sales, these upgrades could tilt the scales in Denza’s favor.
Market Context and Challenges
Denza’s track record is nothing short of impressive, with over 220,000 units sold since its 2022 debut. However, sales stumbled in the latter half of 2024, necessitating this timely refresh. Starting at an estimated price of ¥339,800 ($46,600), the 2025 Denza D9 faces stiff competition in a crowded market.
With the MPV segment heating up and rivals offering similar features, BYD must ensure that the Denza D9’s combination of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge tech strikes the right chord with buyers.
Charge Complete: A Promising Refresh
The 2025 Denza D9 is BYD’s ambitious answer to a competitive MPV market. With a polished design, smarter tech, and hybrid powertrains delivering extended range, it has the potential to reclaim its spot as a segment leader.
Whether it’s the new LiDAR-assisted driving or the luxurious Zero Gravity seating, the Denza D9 checks all the right boxes for discerning buyers. But will it be enough to reverse sliding sales? The Lunar New Year will tell.
