Its arrival in South Africa taking place next year, BYD-owned Denza will become the 15th Chinese brand to have a…
Its arrival in South Africa taking place next year, BYD-owned Denza will become the 15th Chinese brand to have a presence in the local market.
Joining a growing list
Debuting in early 2026 with the B5, a rebadged version of its Fangchengbao brand’s Bao 5 SUV based on the same platform as the BYD Shark bakkie, the debut of Denza will follow those of its parent company, as well as the current marques from the People’s Republic:
- BAIC;
- Chery;
- Dayun;
- Dongfeng;
- Foton;
- GAC;
- GWM Haval;
- JAC;
- Jaecoo;
- Jetour;
- LDV;
- MG;
- Omoda
In addition, further arrivals from Changan and Deepal, as well as the pending return of Geely and JMC will bump the number to 19 before the end of the year.
Arriving next
A joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz started 15-years ago, but wholly owned by BYD since last year, the global Denza range consists of five products motivated either by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or all-electric powertrain.
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In addition to the Fangchengbao Bao 8 possibly making landfall as the Denza B8 to rival the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Fortuner, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Isuzu MU-X and Mahindra Scorpio-N as well, in-house Denza options could include the PHEV versions of the D9 MPV and the N9 SUV.
As a result of BYD marketing the Seal locally, the Z9 sedan and its Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo-inspired Z9 GT fastback estate are not expected to be offered, with the same likely to apply to the all-electric N7 crossover.
D9
The oldest model’s in Denza’s product range having debuted three years ago, the Kia Carnival-rivalling D9 comes in both PHEV and electric guises, with the former presenting the best option in the case of sales being approved for South Africa.
On-sale since the end of last year in Thailand, thus making it available with right-hand-drive, the D9 has measurements of 5 250 mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 3 110 mm, height of 1 920 mm and width of 1 950 mm.
The recipient of a mid-life refresh last year in preparation for its Thai debut, the D9, in China, comes with six seats, however, an ultra-luxurious four-seater, called the Pioneer, can be had in which the centre row makes way for a bulkhead partition with an integrated screen.
In addition, a console separates the pair of captain’s style chairs, complete with an integrated tablet-style display, storage areas and an upper cooled storage hold.
The seats themselves, meanwhile, are electric and feature ventilation, heating and massaging functions.
Based on BYD’s dedicated DM-i platform made specifically for plug-in hybrids, the D9’s choice of powerunits comprises two options, both modelled around a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine.
In the first instance, the petrol’s 102 kW is backed-up by a 20.3-kWh Blade battery pack powering a single 170 kW electric motor.
Combined, the system produces 221 kW and allows for an all-electric range of 103 km based on China’s CLTC measures.
Unofficially called the long range option, the second option involves a 40-kWh battery with the same electric motor and output, but with an EV-only range of 200 km.
Combined with the petrol engine, the “long range” has a claimed distance of 1 050 km versus the “standard’s” 970 km.
Serving as the range’s flagship, the all-wheel-drive D9 adds a second 45 kW electric motor to the front axle for a total output of 299 kW. The claimed electric range is 180 km and the combined, 980 km.
Pricing in China kicks-off at 339 800 yuan, which amount to R when directly converted.
N9
Revealed as the end of last year as its flagship SUV, the N9 not only serves as Denza’s flagship SUV, but also its most powerful plug-in hybrid product.
Utilising a 2-2-2 seating arrangement, in addition to being inclusive of BYD’s latest LiDAR system, the N9 rides on its parent company’s latest e-Platform 3.0 with dimensions of 5 258 mm in length, a wheelbase of 3 125 mm, width of 2 030 mm and height of 1 830 mm.
Reportedly equipped with a crab walking function as well as a tank turn-style, up front, N9 combines BYD’s 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 46.9-kWh Blade battery powering no less than electric motors.
In total, this amounts to 680 kW, a reported top speed of 230 km/h, according to carnewschina.com, and an electric-only range of 202 km. The combined is 1 302 km.
On the spec front, and depending on the trim level, the N9 sports a Head-Up Display projected onto the windscreen, a 26-speaker sound system, a BMW 7 Series-style 17.3-inch flip-down screen, refrigerated second-row centre console, a 3.2 m3 panoramic glass roof, electric, cooled, heated and massaging second-row, and Nappa leather upholstery.
As standard, Denza has fitted the N9 with three displays; a 13.2-inch instrument cluster, a 17.3-inch infotainment and a 13.2-inch on the passenger side.
For the moment, neither the mentioned models have received approval and as mentioned, expect final confirmation to only emerge at the end of the year or before Denza’s official product launch next year.
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