The Denza brand, owned by Chinese giant BYD, has officially announced the start of orders for its fourth model — the full-size luxury minivan Denza D9. The vehicle is positioned as a direct alternative to premium competitors such as the Lexus LM and Mercedes-Benz V-Class, offering a comparable level of comfort at a significantly more accessible price.

Price and Positioning

The starting price of the Denza D9 is £75,000, which is almost £23,000 lower than the base price of the Lexus LM. This makes the new model attractive to buyers seeking premium comfort without overpaying for a European or Japanese brand. The top-spec Ultimate trim, offering the maximum level of equipment, is priced at £85,000.

Technical Specifications

The Denza D9 is a seven-seater minivan with a hybrid powertrain. Although the company has not disclosed the total engine power, it is known that the car accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (about 100 km/h) in 8.6 seconds. A 58.5 kWh battery installed under the floor provides a range of up to 130 miles (approximately 209 km) on electric power alone.

Comfort and Equipment

Standard equipment includes:

  • Electric sliding doors;
  • Leather seats;
  • Panoramic roof;
  • Cooled and heated storage compartments;
  • Separate LCD control panels for each passenger in the second row.

In the top Ultimate version, second-row passengers get seats with 14-way adjustment, 16-point massage, and a "zero gravity" function — the ability to recline almost to a horizontal position. 12.8-inch screens built into the front headrests are also available.

Deliveries and Brand Strategy

The Denza D9 is the fourth model in the brand's expanding lineup, following the Z9 GT estate, the Bao 5 SUV, and the Z supercar. Deliveries of the minivan are planned to begin in the coming months. The launch of this model demonstrates BYD's strategy to capture the premium segment of the European market through a combination of high comfort, advanced technology, and competitive pricing.