Denza adds a new member to its lineup in Spain with the D9 DM-I people carrier

As you may know, in 2010 BYD and Daimler joined forces to create a new brand called Denza, positioned as the premium brand of BYD. The brand has already landed in our country with a high-flying shooting brake that we have already been able to test. Now this young Chinese brand adds a new member to its lineup in Spain: the D9 DM-I, a luxury people carrier equipped with plug-in hybrid technology from BYD.

The Denza D9 DM-I was unveiled in 2023 on the eve of the Munich Motor Show, and now it is finally joining the brand’s range in Europe and also in Spain, where it can already be ordered. As we already knew, the D9 DM-I adopts the brand’s design philosophy with pure shapes, clean lines and sculpted surfaces, something reflected in the minimalist yet imposing front end, while at the rear the great protagonist is the huge tailgate.

The electrically operated tailgate plays an important role in the Denza D9 DM-I, as it gives access to a large variable cargo space ranging from 430 litres to 2,310 litres. It also features the 7-7-7 space concept, meaning room for 7 adults over 1.80 m tall, plus 7 cabin suitcases and 7 executive-style backpacks, all within a cabin offering up to four different configurations.

Occupants of the Denza D9 DM-I can travel comfortably, and even in a relaxed manner as we will see below, since in the front seats both driver and passenger enjoy heated and ventilated seats, a 10-point massage function and eight-way electric adjustment. This comfort technology can be taken to the extreme for occupants of the middle row if we choose the Ultimate trim, making us feel as if we were flying first class on the finest airline, thanks to the ‘zero gravity’ Air Spa seats, which allow the backrest to recline up to 152º so you can rest comfortably during the journey.

As you can imagine, it will be equipped with the latest and best driver assistance and safety systems, as well as other technologies such as the large central screen for the 15.6-inch infotainment system, accompanied by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver and another screen of similar size for the passenger. It may also include other features such as a smart fridge with temperature control located between the front seats.

Mechanically, the Denza D9 DM-I will be equipped with the Super Hybrid DM-i plug-in hybrid system, consisting of a turbocharged 1,500 cc four-cylinder petrol engine producing 120 CV (88 kW), which mainly works as a generator for the battery, along with an electric motor on the front axle producing 231 CV (170 kW) and another on the rear axle producing 61 CV (45 kW), the latter providing all-wheel drive, for a combined system output of 353 CV (260 kW).

This plug-in hybrid system features BYD’s FLASH Charging technology, which allows the 58.5 kWh Blade Battery fitted to the D9 DM-I to be charged at up to 559 kW. This means it can go from 10% to 70% in just 5 minutes or, alternatively, from 10% to 97% capacity in about 9 minutes, even in extremely cold temperatures.

As I mentioned at the beginning, the Denza D9 DM-I can now be ordered in Spain in Elegance and Ultimate trims, with prices starting from 78,500 euros and 83,500 euros respectively.