Introduction

Chinese electric vehicle titan BYD has officially ushered its luxury marque, Denza, into Singapore, showcasing it at a dazzling launch event held at the Shangri-La Singapore on October 10, 2024. This strategic move marks BYD’s continuing expansion in the luxury electric vehicle market.

Denza D9 Overview

Topping the debut is the Denza D9, an all-electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that has already made waves in China by selling over 200,000 units since its launch in 2022. This model became the best-selling vehicle in its category during the first half of 2024, setting a high bar for competitors.

Design and Space

The spacious Denza D9 stands out with a sophisticated boxy design that combines minimalism and style. It comfortably accommodates up to seven adults along with their luggage—specifically, seven 20-inch bags and seven business backpacks. Customers can choose from four stunning exterior colors—Arctic White, Whale Sea Blue, Harbour Grey, and Cosmos Black—with two luxurious interior color options of brown or beige.

Performance Specifications

This impressive vehicle measures over 5.2 meters in length and boasts a powerful specification: its permanent magnet synchronous motor delivers 275 kW, allowing the Denza D9 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds. Enhanced driving efficiency is achieved through its innovative eight-in-one powertrain, which increases vehicle control efficiency by an outstanding 50%. The sizeable 103 kWh blade battery provides a remarkable range of up to 520 kilometers, making it ideal for long-distance travels, including trips to nearby Kuala Lumpur.

Luxury Interior Features

Inside, the Denza D9 exudes luxury, featuring Napa leather upholstery, multi-functional retractable tables, and multiple wireless charging ports. The vehicle also elevates comfort with an in-built refrigerator and zero-gravity massage seats in the middle row, all controllable via touch-screen armrest consoles. For music enthusiasts, the Denza D9 is outfitted with 14 premium speakers from the renowned Danish audio brand Dynaudio, with plans to introduce karaoke features for road trip entertainment.

Pricing and Variants

In Singapore, the Denza D9 comes in two variants: the Elite front-wheel drive, priced at S$296,688, and the Grandeur all-wheel-drive, at S$341,888, both inclusive of the Certificate of Entitlement (COE). Additionally, enthusiasts can anticipate the upcoming launch of the plug-in hybrid Denza Z9 GT, expected to arrive in Singapore by mid-2025.

Market Strategy and Vision

Liu Xueliang, the general manager of BYD’s Asia-Pacific sales division, celebrated the brand’s decade-long presence in Singapore, emphasizing that BYD is the top-selling car brand in the region. "The introduction of Denza caters to the rising demand for luxury MPVs in the Asia-Pacific, and propels our brand towards new milestones," he shared.

Background of Denza

Denza is born from a 14-year joint venture between BYD and German automotive giant Mercedes, although it is now fully owned by BYD. Notably, BYD made headlines in early 2024 by becoming Singapore’s best-selling car brand, registering 1,196 units—a groundbreaking achievement for an entirely electric brand.

Local Dealerships and Lifestyle Offerings

BYD Singapore has enlisted Vantage Automotive and Harmony New Energy Auto Service as Denza's local dealers. The first Denza showroom opened at Alexandra Road, right next to the recently revamped BYD flagship showroom. Harmony New Energy Auto Service is also set to establish its showroom in Ubi Close by the end of October. Complementing its automotive offerings, Denza presents an exclusive line of lifestyle leather products, including wallets and travel organizers designed in collaboration with Singapore’s Tocco Toscano.

Market Trends

During the launch event, James Ng, the managing director of BYD Singapore and the Philippines, highlighted the increasing trend in MPV ownership—making up 17 percent of passenger car ownership in Singapore, with a notable 20 percent rise between 2022 and 2023.

Conclusion

"We are thrilled to introduce Denza's luxury tier and the first fully electric MPV to the Singaporean market," Ng stated. "The Denza D9 is meticulously crafted to meet the needs of families and business elite clients looking for a blend of luxury, safety, and smart mobility. We are confident that this new addition will not only bolster our sales but also reinforce our leading position in Singapore.” With such bold innovations and luxurious features, will the Denza D9 redefine family travel? Stay tuned!