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Denza D9: A rising force to be reckoned with `
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The Denza D9 seeks to redefine the luxury MPV segment with its unique blend of technology, upscale features, and spacious design. Positioned as a premium people transporter, the D9 competes directly with established players like the Toyota Alphard and Lexus LM.
Exterior
It makes a bold statement with a design harmonising modern elegance and practicality. Its imposing grille, framed by intricate LED light patterns, creates a sense of sophistication. Subtle chrome accents and 18-inch alloy wheels add to its allure. Practicality hasn't been overlooked either—the electric sliding doors and low step-in height make it ideal for families or executives on the go.
Interior
Step inside and the D9 truly shines. The spacious interior is a masterclass in luxury, offering seating for up to seven persons. There is ample legroom across all rows, with a focus on comfort for second-row occupants. The VIP captain's chairs come with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring an exceptional travel experience.
The cabin materials are top-notch, combining leather (Nappa in the top trim), wood veneers, and metallic accents to deliver a sense of refinement. Ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and class-leading noise insulation further elevate the ambience, making the D9 an excellent choice for long journeys.
Technology and Features
Denza spares no expense in outfitting the D9 with cutting-edge technology. At the heart of the dashboard is a 15.6-inch rotating infotainment display, accompanied by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The system supports voice commands, smartphone integration, and over-the-air updates, ensuring it remains current.
For rear passengers, the D9 includes fold-out tables, a mini-fridge and USB-C ports. A 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system delivers immersive audio, while the vehicle's air purification system ensures a healthy cabin environment.
Performance
Thanks to BYD's innovative Blade Battery technology, the all-electric powertrain boasts a range of up to 520 km on a single charge. With fast charging, the D9 recovers 80% Of its charge in under 30 minutes. The D9 delivers a smooth and quiet ride, aided by its advanced suspension system. While not a performance vehicle, its powertrain is refined and comfortable.
Safety
It sports an extensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, ensuring all occupants are well-protected.
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Denza D9: The future of Luxury MPVs `
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The Denza D9 has emerged as a notable alternative to the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, offering a luxurious and futuristic option in the luxury MPV segment. While "Substitute" Might be a better description than "Alternative", the D9 makes a strong case with its striking design, high-tech features, and refined interior.
The exterior design combines elements reminiscent of the Toyota Alphard and Noah but maintains its unique identity with π-Motion styling, a bold grille, multispoke 18-inch rims, and star-feathered taillights. Inside, the D9 impresses with executive lounge-style second-row seats featuring heating, ventilation, massage, and full recline capabilities, alongside a boss button for front seat adjustments. Premium materials, including quilted NAPPA leather, wood trim, a suede ceiling, ambient lighting, and even a fridge in the center console, create a first-class cabin experience. Despite its size, the third row remains spacious enough for passengers up to 1.8m tall, with a 410L boot providing sufficient cargo space.
The tech suite is equally impressive, with a responsive 15.6-inch infotainment screen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital dashboard, and a heads-up display. The 14-speaker Dynaudio system delivers immersive sound. Rear passengers enjoy additional comforts, including a touchscreen for controls, USB-C charging ports, and a 50W wireless charging pocket.
On the road, the Denza D9, despite its 2.9-ton weight and 1.9m height, feels surprisingly easy to drive, thanks to light steering and a 360 panoramic camera. It rides smoothly with DiSus-C intelligent damping and Comfort Control, adapting to road conditions and passenger load. Although body roll is noticeable in high-speed turns, the overall experience is refined. Powered by a 103kWh blade battery pack, the AWD model delivers 275kW (370hp) and a range of 480km, while the FWD version extends to 520km. Charging capabilities max out at 166kW DC, which, though not class-leading, is sufficient for most owners. Minor drawbacks include noticeable tire and wind noise at higher speeds and a driving feel likened to a "Luxurious minibus." However, the Denza D9 shines as a passenger-focused vehicle, offering a serene and plush ride that's perfect for work or relaxation.
Overall, the Denza D9 blends practicality, innovation, and luxury into a compelling package. Highly recommended.
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Alphard killer? It's the Denza D9! `
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Pros: First and foremost, it is unpretentious in its intention and looks like an Alphard. Therefore, I believe its design is more palatable for existing Alphard owners making the transition. Next, the price tag (depreciation at $27-$28k for the FWD Elite model) is 'reasonable' in current market conditions and undercuts the Alphard by $3-4k a year in depreciation. It makes decent power and have sufficient range, and it's road tax is only $480 more than the new Alphard. It's interior build quality and trim is also 'value for money' in terms of its quality. An initial collaboration between BYD and Mercedes, this is apparent in the cabin such as the wood trimmings (same as in Mercedes products) and ambient lighting. It also offers better seat comfort in the 3rd row as compared to the Alphard/X9 and perhaps comparable to the 009. This is because the seats are inclined a few degrees towards the ceiling thus making it significantly more comfortable as compared to the Alphard which is flatter and has shallower seat bottoms. In terms of the drive, it also feels more 'continental' - same secured/rooted/engaged sensation as premium makes that I had driven before that hails from Germany/England.
Cons: From the B-pillar onwards, one may be surprised to find that the D9 offers less in terms of cabin space than the Alphard despite its longer length/wheelbase. This is due to the 'thicker materials' used (like the captain seats) and a 410L fixed boot (Alphard has none). The ambient lighting also looks like it is underpowered (too dim even at its brightest settings) unlike its ex-sister brand Mercedes. Finally, there isn't any TV for rear passengers like the 009 and X9 which was a severe disappointment for my family (as we have 1 in our existing Alphard).
As you would have guessed it by now, all things considered, the Denza D9 is in my opinion going to give the Alphard a real run for its money in its uninhibited attempt to wrestle the 'King of MPV' throne in Singapore.
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