BYD is preparing to introduce its premium Denza brand with the D9 electric MPV as its first model. The company is targeting a launch around Diwali 2026, although the programme could move to the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in February 2027 if approvals or preparations take longer.
The expected price is around Rs 90 lakh, ex-showroom. That would place the D9 above the Rs 79.95 lakh MG M9 but below the Toyota Vellfire, which costs roughly Rs 1.20 crore to Rs 1.30 crore. The Lexus LM sits much higher, starting above Rs 2 crore.
BYD is likely to import the D9 as a completely built unit initially. It may also create separate Denza outlets instead of selling the MPV beside the Atto 3, Seal, Sealion 7 and eMax 7. This will be important because the D9 is entering a segment where the showroom, delivery and service experience carries nearly as much weight as the vehicle.
The D9 is 5,250 mm long, 1,960 mm wide and 1,920 mm tall, with a 3,110 mm wheelbase. It uses a seven-seat layout with two individual captain chairs in the middle row. Even with all seats in use, the overseas model claims 410 litres of luggage capacity.
The cabin is designed around second-row comfort. Depending on the specification selected here, the captain chairs can offer electric adjustment, ventilation, heating, massage and memory. The front seats receive similar comfort functions in overseas versions.
Other available equipment includes a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, a 14-speaker 775-watt Dynaudio audio system, separate front and rear glass roofs, a built-in refrigerator and hotbox, digital-key access and a four-zone voice assistant. Its driver-assistance package includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-keeping assistance.
The right-hand-drive D9 sold in Australia uses a 103.3 kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate battery. The front-wheel-drive version produces 230 kW and 360 Nm, while the dual-motor all-wheel-drive model develops 275 kW and 470 Nm. The quicker version reaches 100 kmph in 6.9 seconds.
Claimed WLTP range stands at 520 km for the front-wheel-drive model and 480 km for the heavier all-wheel-drive version. Overseas versions support DC fast charging of up to 200 kW. The final local motor configuration, certified range, charging standard and warranty have not been announced.
The D9 is also available internationally as a plug-in hybrid, but the electric version is expected first. Pure EVs attract 5 per cent GST, while a large imported PHEV faces a much heavier tax burden. That makes the battery-electric model easier to position near Rs 90 lakh.
Denza began in 2010 as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz. BYD gradually increased its share and took full control in 2024. The brand now sits above BYD and gives the company a route into higher-margin vehicles without stretching its mainstream badge.
The product has the size, rear-seat equipment and electric range to compete in the executive MPV class. The harder task will be building confidence in a new luxury badge. Owners spending close to Rs 1 crore will expect quick parts support, trained technicians, dependable charging assistance and a high standard of customer handling.