Luxury Chinese Minivan: Denza D9

The MPV Resurgence: The People’s Republic

The Denza D9 Has Big Van Energy

Once a widely celebrated niche in the US and Europe, the minivan segment has seen its splendor gradually fade. While there are still some good MPV options in either side of the continent, the selection appears to be slim. While this situation is the typical reality at present, Chinese market is beginning to display an expansive collection of bulky people haulers. All local and foreign automobile manufacturers have begun releasing new models, Denza D9 being one of the latest, with both electric and plug-in hybrid options available.

Beginning with the brand in question, Denza is a partnership shared equally by BYD and the Mercedes-Benz Group, fabricating deluxe automobiles for the Chinese population. Models of past from the company have strongly reminded us of reprinted BYDs (a popular Chinese car brand), but this new output demonstrates that the firm has moved up a notch. Due to launching in China during last year, our coworkers at Wheelsboy were recently able to conduct a trial and video an instance of the D9.

Making things rather elaborate, Denza presents the sumptuous multipurpose van with a trio of usable plug-in hybrid powertrains based on the battery and engine. In the video shown at the pinnacle of this article is its most remarkable combination, exhibiting a maximum output of 401 horsepower (299 kilowatts) and 502 pound-feet (681 Newton-meters) of torque – respected figures for such an unpretentious minivan. The range offered when powered solely through electricity reaches 112 miles (180 kilometers) and remarkably for a plugin hybrid, DC charging is available with a capacity of 80 kilowatts which is rather exclusive for a PHEV.

The inner space of the D9 is undeniably its most notable feature. In total, it carries seven screens – three up front, two in the rear seat-back head rests and two more situated in the armrests in the second row. Although the touch buttons on the console aren’t the finest option, there’s an attractive selection of materials used; though it comes at a costly price – up to $65,000 in China, akin to what Jeep seek as the Grand Cherokee L’s cost point in US.

Source: Wheelsboy on YouTube