Latest news with #Zeekr009
Barnama
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Barnama
Sunway Marketing Launches RM10 Mln Zeekr Space, Service Centre At Sunway City
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- Sunway Marketing Sdn Bhd, the appointed dealer partner of Zeekr Malaysia, has officially launched Zeekr Sunway today in the heart of Sunway City, Kuala Lumpur. In a statement today, Sunway Marketing said Zeekr Space Sunway City features two full-fledged customer touchpoints, covering every stage of the ownership journey for the luxury electric vehicle (EV) brand Zeekr in Malaysia. 'It comprises Zeekr Space Sunway City and Zeekr Sunway Service Centre, both of which were developed with a combined investment of more than RM10 million aimed at enhancing the Zeekr Malaysia experience for prospective clients and existing vehicle owners alike. 'Located along Persiaran Lagoon, Zeekr Space Sunway City spans 11,100 square feet in a location that used to house the iconic helipad of Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, and the flagship showroom features six display bays, ensuring that customers can experience the latest Zeekr models available in the market, such as the Zeekr X and Zeekr 009, at all times,' it said. Additionally, two dedicated delivery bays allow customers to capture the memory of their first day with their brand-new Zeekr, it said. Zeekr Space Sunway City is equipped with amenities such as a premium customer lounge where visitors can relax in comfort, discussion stations that facilitate interactions with sales personnel and product experts. It also included four alternating current charging points for the convenience of EV users, with additional direct current charging amenities to be introduced in the future. Sunway Trading and Manufacturing chief executive officer Yeoh Yuen Chee said the introduction of Zeekr Sunway is highly meaningful, as it represents a progressive milestone for the Zeekr brand in Malaysia and Sunway City Kuala Lumpur as a whole. 'More than just an expansion of our automotive business, the simultaneous launch of Zeekr Space Sunway City and Zeekr Sunway Service Centre echo our commitment to making the ownership journey of Zeekr's latest Premium New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) an enjoyable, sustainable and convenient experience for the community in Sunway and beyond,' he said.
Courier-Mail
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Courier-Mail
Luxury vans to shock Australia
Don't miss out on the headlines from On the Road. Followed categories will be added to My News. A new breed of beast is lurking in the Australian car market, and it's not a typical SUV or sedan. These machines are all about space, speed and luxury, and they might just be the most opulent people movers to hit Australian roads. The first is called the Zeekr 009 Grand, and it's a sub-variant of the already luxurious Zeekr 009 currently on the market. Zeekr, a member of the Geely group alongside Volvo and Polestar, initially unveiled the standard 009 in 2024, offering six or seven-seat variants priced from $135,900 and $139,900 before on-road costs. Zeekr 009 Grand. Picture: Supplied MORE: Gorgeous looks for new Italian supercar Sales have increased since the launch, with 66 vehicles sold through June of this year. Zeekr is looking to further explore uncharted territories with a proposal to introduce a more luxurious 'Grand' version of the 009. The Grand doesn't have a confirmed price for Australia; however, the variant has already hit the Chinese market at a price that's roughly double that of the standard 009 variant. It's by far the most luxurious vehicle I've sat in. From the inside out, the Grand is packed with features you'd typically expect in a high-end hotel suite. X Learn More SUBSCRIBER ONLY What is the best car of the 21st century? Toyota LandCruiser Ford Mustang Holden Commodore VW Golf Porsche 911 Toyota HiLux MG3 Tesla Model Y Toyota RAV4 Bugatti Veyron Cast your vote For starters, passengers can enjoy complete privacy thanks to a world-first revolutionary glass technology that offers 10 levels of adjustable window tinting. There are two reclining airline-style rear seats mounted behind the C-pillar, designed with legroom and passenger comfort in mind. Each seat is 24-way power adjustable and separated by a raised centre console that houses a touchscreen control pad for the massive 43-inch LED rear entertainment screen as well as a 31-speaker Yamaha surround sound system and an 18-litre refrigerator. Zeekr 009 Grand. Picture: Supplied Zeekr 009 Grand. Picture: Supplied MORE: What is the best car of the 21st century? The cabin itself is wrapped in hand-polished stainless-steel elements and real Himalayan marble, making it feel more like a private jet than your typical people mover. Like the base 009, the Grand features a dual-motor electric powertrain that can propel the people mover from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds in this application. For a car that weighs over three tonnes, that's pretty impressive. According to Zeekr, this variant offers a driving range of up to 702 km on China's optimistic CLTC test cycle. While the Grand would be welcomed to Australian showrooms, there's no guarantee it will be produced in right-hand drive at this stage. Zeekr is in the process of investigating the viability of a conversion for the Grand, which will be informed by the sales performance of other 009 variants globally. If Zeekr decides to make a right-hand variant and bring it to Australia, who would they compete with? X Learn More SUBSCRIBER ONLY Well, for starters, there is the Lexus LM500H. Priced from just over $220,000 (before on-roads), the top-spec Ultra Luxury version is a four-seat private jet on wheels. Power comes from a 2.4-litre turbocharged hybrid set up, delivering a combined 273kW to all four wheels — a far cry from the electric Zeekr, but still potent. Inside, the LM is kitted out with a 48-inch wide-screen display that can be split between passengers for personalised entertainment. There's also a mini fridge, plush Ottoman seating, and noise-cancelling technology. 2024 Lexus LM luxury people mover. 2024 Lexus LM luxury people mover. MORE: Huge change coming to Aussie roads Then there's BYD's luxury sub-brand Denza, which is tipped to arrive in Australia by the end of 2025 with its first model, the Denza D9. The D9 has been a runaway success in China, selling nearly 118,000 units in 2023. The top-spec versions are expected to cost around AUD $126,000 locally, though pricing hasn't been finalised. Buyers will be able to choose between three plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants and two full-electric versions, with driving ranges ranging from 600 km to 970 km, depending on the configuration. Inside, the D9 offers up to four or seven seats, a 15.6-inch floating touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, and a head-up display. A 2024 refresh added electric suction doors and more premium touches aimed at family buyers with a taste for tech. If Denza launches the D9 here, it will add another high-end, hi-tech option to Australia's emerging premium electric people mover segment — one that values sustainability as much as comfort. It seems clear that several brands believe there's a growing market for luxury people movers. It is a niche that combines high-end comfort with cutting-edge technology and sustainability. This emerging demand could be the convincing factor that pushes Zeekr to bring their 009 Grand to Australian shores, offering buyers an entirely new level of opulence in the electric vehicle segment. Originally published as Zeekr 009 Grand: Could this be the most luxurious people mover ever?
The Sun
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Zeekr appoints Carro as authorised dealer in M'sia
Zeekr, a global leader in premium electric vehicles, has appointed Carro as its latest authorised dealer in Malaysia. The strategic partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed at Carro's flagship store in Puchong. This collaboration signals Zeekr's deepening commitment to Malaysia's fast-growing EV market. The two companies plan to open four new Zeekr showrooms and three Carro Care workshops to strengthen retail access and aftersales support. Stronger Sales and Support Ecosystem Carro, Southeast Asia's leading online automotive marketplace, will provide a full suite of services to Zeekr customers—including financing via Genie Financial Services, insurance through Coverro, and aftersales support via Carro Care. This marks Carro's second market expansion into brand-new vehicle sales, following its move into Singapore earlier this year. 'The positive response we have received from the Malaysian market over the past few months reflects the growing appreciation for Zeekr's premium electric vehicles,' said Alex Bao, Managing Director of Zeekr Southeast Asia. 'This momentum reinforces our commitment to expanding our presence in Malaysia, and our partnership with Carro represents a significant milestone in that direction—enhancing both our sales network and after-sales capabilities to better support our customers. This collaboration also aligns with our broader business strategy as we prepare for the introduction of our next important model, the Zeekr 7X.' 'This is a really exciting step for us, as we offer even more automotive options to our customers in Malaysia,' says Fong Hon Sum, CEO of International Marketplace at Carro. 'We're seeing a growing market in Malaysia for hybrid and electric vehicles, with developing infrastructure and tax exemptions in place, and we're ready to provide these services to Malaysians who are keen to make the switch to EVs. Our expertise within the EV sector has us well-placed to handle inspections, repairs, and maintenance, and we're so excited to have Zeekr as our partner.' New Showrooms and Models Available Now Zeekr currently operates three 'Zeekr Space' showrooms in Petaling Jaya and IOI Mall Puchong, with new locations set to launch in Juru Autocity, Klang Valley, and Seremban. Two models are now available in Malaysia: - Zeekr 009 MPV – A luxury electric MPV designed for premium business travel: - Executive (7-Seater FWD): RM310,000 (introductory price for first 500 bookings) - Luxury (7-Seater AWD): RM349,800 Ultra Luxury: RM359,800 - Zeekr X SUV – A dynamic and practical EV for everyday use: - Premium: RM155,800 - Flagship: RM172,800 (All prices are on-the-road, excluding insurance.) Customers can view or book the Zeekr 009 and X at any Zeekr Space showroom or online at
The Advertiser
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 BYD Denza D9 review: Quick drive
Denza is about to go on the hunt for Kia Carnival, Zeekr 009 and Lexus LM buyers. The luxury offshoot of Chinese mega brand BYD is looking at bringing the D9 people mover to Australia as a luxury offering with some high-tech powertrain options on the table. At a preview drive in China I tested out the Denza D9 DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and while it mightn't look like a cutting-edge option, the powertrain and drive experience were surprising. There is no confirmation yet that the D9 is coming to Australia, but in China it is priced between 339,800 and 600,600 yuan, or approximately A$72,750 to $128,500. The former pricing is for the DM-i plug-in hybrid model, while the high-end option is the fully electric model. It is understood that, if the D9 was released in Australia, it would be a plug-in hybrid first and foremost, with a limited market for $130,000-pus electric people movers here… That space is currently occupied by the Zeekr 009, and the LDV Mifa 9 – neither of which have seen significant cut-through or sales volume in Australia. Oh, and the Lexus LM range, which kicks off at $160,000 or so for a plug-free hybrid. The big-name in the Aussie market, though, is the Kia Carnival, which accounts for more than 80 per cent of all new people movers sold in the market. But that is the official new-vehicle number, and doesn't include the grey-import market for Toyota Alphard and Vellfire vehicles – reportedly tallying 599 units in 2024. That, according to BYD/Denza insiders, could be the market segment that this car will aim at. In other words, above a high-spec Carnival hybrid ($76,630 plus on-roads) but below the aforementioned six-figure electric MPVs. In China, it has a heap of standard equipment, and comes with a 2+2+3-seat layout with middle-row captain's chairs. Have your say in the comments – what should the D9 cost, if it comes Down Under? Up front there are screens aplenty. The driver gets an older-style 10.25-inch instrument display with a heap of at-a-glance information on offer, while the central touchscreen is a decent 15.6 inch unit with a number of key controls managed through it. There is climate control adjustment for all three rows of seating available through the screen, and handily that part of the menu system stays docked at the bottom as well. It is a deep tech setup with dozens of menus on offer, but I didn't have much time to play with it. The test vehicle had a second 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, with connected services allowing live streaming (and the back seat screens have that, too). Thankfully there are numerous useable physical controls as well, including buttons for the sliding rear doors and a number of other features. One that might get a lot of use is the button on the steering wheel to bring up the surround-view camera. It feels plush and comfortable, but also practical. There are cupholders between the seats, a console storage area, and a hidden shelf below the 'bridge' between the seats. The test vehicle featured down pillows for front and middle-row occupants, and the driver gets a digital camera mirror system to see out the back, as the rear-view mirror can appear crowded with a few faces on board. Second-row riders are spoiled. There are 50W wireless charging smartphone docks, USB-C charging ports, and touchscreens to adjust heating, cooling, massage and media settings. It's a very plush place to sit. There is a fridge that opens to second-row occupant too, with temperature adjustable between -6°C and +50°C – so you can keep your choccy milks cool or your sausage rolls hot. There are media screens for rear riders as well, and the overall comfort and entertainment experience is clearly aimed at the two in the middle row of seats. The biggest concern for potential buyers of this car could be that very seat layout. It has a 2+2+3 design, with the centre row seating being focused on luxuriousness rather than outright practicality, and that means those buckets don't slide forward to allow third-row access. Instead, you're expected to (be small enough to) slither between the captain's chairs to access the very back. It's manageable, but it certainly makes the slide/fold setup of MPVs like the Carnival seem simply elegant. Admittedly, no Carnival has the level of plushness the captain's chairs here have. But I'm not so sure that is as important as easy third-row access. Once in the very back row, the space is decent but not mindblowing. With the middle-row seating set for me to have a good amount of room, I was a bit cramped in the very back (at 182cm/6'0"). My knees were just brushing the lovely leather-accented trim and my toes were tightly positioned under the seat, but there are great amenities in the back. Third-row passengers get things like cupholders (x4), pockets on the middle-row seatbacks (x6), USB-C ports (x2), electric sliding and reclining for the seats, and even third-row seat heating and cooling! There's also a flip-down armrest, and it would make a more comfortable six-seater than seven-seater, I'd say. Additionally, there are ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the window seats for both rear rows, and top-tethers, of course, too. Boot space varies between 390 litres with the third row upright to a claimed 2310L with the rear rows of seating folded away. Again, it isn't as cleverly packaged as a Carnival when it comes to the boot area, as those very rear seats cannot be folded down into the floor area, meaning you'll have to plonk stuff on top if you need to take a lot of stuff with you. Here are the specs of the Denza D9 DM-i, which is the model we had a chance to test… which probably wasn't by accident. And if you're curious, here are the EV version's specs: Which would you be keener to see here? Have your say in the comments. My drive of the D9 was brief, so this part of the review will be, too. What I learned after a couple of laps of a carpark with a marked course and hundreds of witches hats was that this is a better handling thing than you'd think. It's a 2.7-tonne bus after all, but it hustles. With a MacPherson front suspension setup and multi-link rear-end with adaptive damping, there was a level of driveability that I wasn't expecting from the D9. Of course it exhibits some body roll – in fact, it exhibits a lot of body roll. But the way that it ties corners together is impressive, with steering that is involving and direct, with trustworthy responsiveness. I had more fun than I expected to while pushing it through a slalom and attempting some tighter twists and turns. And the powertrain is superb, too. With a strong surge of torque from the electric motors at low speeds, the petrol engine kicks into life at about 70km/h, making for strong continued progress as pace climbs. There is a positive feel to the brake as well, despite it possessing a less aggressive regenerative braking system than you might expect – there's no single-pedal driving option. I didn't really attempt any parking manoeuvres, but the camera and sensor array made me feel confident it would be a simple thing to pilot into a spot, despite its size. Full specs and details aren't known yet, but below is a guide as to what the Chinese-spec model has. 2025 Denza D9 equipment highlights: The Denza D9 has a heap of standard safety gear fitted, as you'd expect – but it hasn't been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, naturally. It runs the DiPilot 300 ADAS system, with the following sensors included: It also has dual front, driver's knee, front side, rear side, and full-length curtain airbags. It is expected that Denza will hit our market with a strong warranty offering – possibly mirroring that of parent company BYD at six years or 150,000km. Battery pack warranty will be eight years, as is the industry standard. Servicing details and roadside coverage are yet to be determined. The Denza D9 is a plush and premium feeling people mover. It perhaps isn't as practical as a Kia Carnival, but it has a plug-in hybrid system that sets it apart. Should it make its way Down Under with competitive price positioning, the Denza D9 could be very intriguing for families and fleet customers Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: Denza is about to go on the hunt for Kia Carnival, Zeekr 009 and Lexus LM buyers. The luxury offshoot of Chinese mega brand BYD is looking at bringing the D9 people mover to Australia as a luxury offering with some high-tech powertrain options on the table. At a preview drive in China I tested out the Denza D9 DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and while it mightn't look like a cutting-edge option, the powertrain and drive experience were surprising. There is no confirmation yet that the D9 is coming to Australia, but in China it is priced between 339,800 and 600,600 yuan, or approximately A$72,750 to $128,500. The former pricing is for the DM-i plug-in hybrid model, while the high-end option is the fully electric model. It is understood that, if the D9 was released in Australia, it would be a plug-in hybrid first and foremost, with a limited market for $130,000-pus electric people movers here… That space is currently occupied by the Zeekr 009, and the LDV Mifa 9 – neither of which have seen significant cut-through or sales volume in Australia. Oh, and the Lexus LM range, which kicks off at $160,000 or so for a plug-free hybrid. The big-name in the Aussie market, though, is the Kia Carnival, which accounts for more than 80 per cent of all new people movers sold in the market. But that is the official new-vehicle number, and doesn't include the grey-import market for Toyota Alphard and Vellfire vehicles – reportedly tallying 599 units in 2024. That, according to BYD/Denza insiders, could be the market segment that this car will aim at. In other words, above a high-spec Carnival hybrid ($76,630 plus on-roads) but below the aforementioned six-figure electric MPVs. In China, it has a heap of standard equipment, and comes with a 2+2+3-seat layout with middle-row captain's chairs. Have your say in the comments – what should the D9 cost, if it comes Down Under? Up front there are screens aplenty. The driver gets an older-style 10.25-inch instrument display with a heap of at-a-glance information on offer, while the central touchscreen is a decent 15.6 inch unit with a number of key controls managed through it. There is climate control adjustment for all three rows of seating available through the screen, and handily that part of the menu system stays docked at the bottom as well. It is a deep tech setup with dozens of menus on offer, but I didn't have much time to play with it. The test vehicle had a second 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, with connected services allowing live streaming (and the back seat screens have that, too). Thankfully there are numerous useable physical controls as well, including buttons for the sliding rear doors and a number of other features. One that might get a lot of use is the button on the steering wheel to bring up the surround-view camera. It feels plush and comfortable, but also practical. There are cupholders between the seats, a console storage area, and a hidden shelf below the 'bridge' between the seats. The test vehicle featured down pillows for front and middle-row occupants, and the driver gets a digital camera mirror system to see out the back, as the rear-view mirror can appear crowded with a few faces on board. Second-row riders are spoiled. There are 50W wireless charging smartphone docks, USB-C charging ports, and touchscreens to adjust heating, cooling, massage and media settings. It's a very plush place to sit. There is a fridge that opens to second-row occupant too, with temperature adjustable between -6°C and +50°C – so you can keep your choccy milks cool or your sausage rolls hot. There are media screens for rear riders as well, and the overall comfort and entertainment experience is clearly aimed at the two in the middle row of seats. The biggest concern for potential buyers of this car could be that very seat layout. It has a 2+2+3 design, with the centre row seating being focused on luxuriousness rather than outright practicality, and that means those buckets don't slide forward to allow third-row access. Instead, you're expected to (be small enough to) slither between the captain's chairs to access the very back. It's manageable, but it certainly makes the slide/fold setup of MPVs like the Carnival seem simply elegant. Admittedly, no Carnival has the level of plushness the captain's chairs here have. But I'm not so sure that is as important as easy third-row access. Once in the very back row, the space is decent but not mindblowing. With the middle-row seating set for me to have a good amount of room, I was a bit cramped in the very back (at 182cm/6'0"). My knees were just brushing the lovely leather-accented trim and my toes were tightly positioned under the seat, but there are great amenities in the back. Third-row passengers get things like cupholders (x4), pockets on the middle-row seatbacks (x6), USB-C ports (x2), electric sliding and reclining for the seats, and even third-row seat heating and cooling! There's also a flip-down armrest, and it would make a more comfortable six-seater than seven-seater, I'd say. Additionally, there are ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the window seats for both rear rows, and top-tethers, of course, too. Boot space varies between 390 litres with the third row upright to a claimed 2310L with the rear rows of seating folded away. Again, it isn't as cleverly packaged as a Carnival when it comes to the boot area, as those very rear seats cannot be folded down into the floor area, meaning you'll have to plonk stuff on top if you need to take a lot of stuff with you. Here are the specs of the Denza D9 DM-i, which is the model we had a chance to test… which probably wasn't by accident. And if you're curious, here are the EV version's specs: Which would you be keener to see here? Have your say in the comments. My drive of the D9 was brief, so this part of the review will be, too. What I learned after a couple of laps of a carpark with a marked course and hundreds of witches hats was that this is a better handling thing than you'd think. It's a 2.7-tonne bus after all, but it hustles. With a MacPherson front suspension setup and multi-link rear-end with adaptive damping, there was a level of driveability that I wasn't expecting from the D9. Of course it exhibits some body roll – in fact, it exhibits a lot of body roll. But the way that it ties corners together is impressive, with steering that is involving and direct, with trustworthy responsiveness. I had more fun than I expected to while pushing it through a slalom and attempting some tighter twists and turns. And the powertrain is superb, too. With a strong surge of torque from the electric motors at low speeds, the petrol engine kicks into life at about 70km/h, making for strong continued progress as pace climbs. There is a positive feel to the brake as well, despite it possessing a less aggressive regenerative braking system than you might expect – there's no single-pedal driving option. I didn't really attempt any parking manoeuvres, but the camera and sensor array made me feel confident it would be a simple thing to pilot into a spot, despite its size. Full specs and details aren't known yet, but below is a guide as to what the Chinese-spec model has. 2025 Denza D9 equipment highlights: The Denza D9 has a heap of standard safety gear fitted, as you'd expect – but it hasn't been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, naturally. It runs the DiPilot 300 ADAS system, with the following sensors included: It also has dual front, driver's knee, front side, rear side, and full-length curtain airbags. It is expected that Denza will hit our market with a strong warranty offering – possibly mirroring that of parent company BYD at six years or 150,000km. Battery pack warranty will be eight years, as is the industry standard. Servicing details and roadside coverage are yet to be determined. The Denza D9 is a plush and premium feeling people mover. It perhaps isn't as practical as a Kia Carnival, but it has a plug-in hybrid system that sets it apart. Should it make its way Down Under with competitive price positioning, the Denza D9 could be very intriguing for families and fleet customers Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: Denza is about to go on the hunt for Kia Carnival, Zeekr 009 and Lexus LM buyers. The luxury offshoot of Chinese mega brand BYD is looking at bringing the D9 people mover to Australia as a luxury offering with some high-tech powertrain options on the table. At a preview drive in China I tested out the Denza D9 DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and while it mightn't look like a cutting-edge option, the powertrain and drive experience were surprising. There is no confirmation yet that the D9 is coming to Australia, but in China it is priced between 339,800 and 600,600 yuan, or approximately A$72,750 to $128,500. The former pricing is for the DM-i plug-in hybrid model, while the high-end option is the fully electric model. It is understood that, if the D9 was released in Australia, it would be a plug-in hybrid first and foremost, with a limited market for $130,000-pus electric people movers here… That space is currently occupied by the Zeekr 009, and the LDV Mifa 9 – neither of which have seen significant cut-through or sales volume in Australia. Oh, and the Lexus LM range, which kicks off at $160,000 or so for a plug-free hybrid. The big-name in the Aussie market, though, is the Kia Carnival, which accounts for more than 80 per cent of all new people movers sold in the market. But that is the official new-vehicle number, and doesn't include the grey-import market for Toyota Alphard and Vellfire vehicles – reportedly tallying 599 units in 2024. That, according to BYD/Denza insiders, could be the market segment that this car will aim at. In other words, above a high-spec Carnival hybrid ($76,630 plus on-roads) but below the aforementioned six-figure electric MPVs. In China, it has a heap of standard equipment, and comes with a 2+2+3-seat layout with middle-row captain's chairs. Have your say in the comments – what should the D9 cost, if it comes Down Under? Up front there are screens aplenty. The driver gets an older-style 10.25-inch instrument display with a heap of at-a-glance information on offer, while the central touchscreen is a decent 15.6 inch unit with a number of key controls managed through it. There is climate control adjustment for all three rows of seating available through the screen, and handily that part of the menu system stays docked at the bottom as well. It is a deep tech setup with dozens of menus on offer, but I didn't have much time to play with it. The test vehicle had a second 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, with connected services allowing live streaming (and the back seat screens have that, too). Thankfully there are numerous useable physical controls as well, including buttons for the sliding rear doors and a number of other features. One that might get a lot of use is the button on the steering wheel to bring up the surround-view camera. It feels plush and comfortable, but also practical. There are cupholders between the seats, a console storage area, and a hidden shelf below the 'bridge' between the seats. The test vehicle featured down pillows for front and middle-row occupants, and the driver gets a digital camera mirror system to see out the back, as the rear-view mirror can appear crowded with a few faces on board. Second-row riders are spoiled. There are 50W wireless charging smartphone docks, USB-C charging ports, and touchscreens to adjust heating, cooling, massage and media settings. It's a very plush place to sit. There is a fridge that opens to second-row occupant too, with temperature adjustable between -6°C and +50°C – so you can keep your choccy milks cool or your sausage rolls hot. There are media screens for rear riders as well, and the overall comfort and entertainment experience is clearly aimed at the two in the middle row of seats. The biggest concern for potential buyers of this car could be that very seat layout. It has a 2+2+3 design, with the centre row seating being focused on luxuriousness rather than outright practicality, and that means those buckets don't slide forward to allow third-row access. Instead, you're expected to (be small enough to) slither between the captain's chairs to access the very back. It's manageable, but it certainly makes the slide/fold setup of MPVs like the Carnival seem simply elegant. Admittedly, no Carnival has the level of plushness the captain's chairs here have. But I'm not so sure that is as important as easy third-row access. Once in the very back row, the space is decent but not mindblowing. With the middle-row seating set for me to have a good amount of room, I was a bit cramped in the very back (at 182cm/6'0"). My knees were just brushing the lovely leather-accented trim and my toes were tightly positioned under the seat, but there are great amenities in the back. Third-row passengers get things like cupholders (x4), pockets on the middle-row seatbacks (x6), USB-C ports (x2), electric sliding and reclining for the seats, and even third-row seat heating and cooling! There's also a flip-down armrest, and it would make a more comfortable six-seater than seven-seater, I'd say. Additionally, there are ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the window seats for both rear rows, and top-tethers, of course, too. Boot space varies between 390 litres with the third row upright to a claimed 2310L with the rear rows of seating folded away. Again, it isn't as cleverly packaged as a Carnival when it comes to the boot area, as those very rear seats cannot be folded down into the floor area, meaning you'll have to plonk stuff on top if you need to take a lot of stuff with you. Here are the specs of the Denza D9 DM-i, which is the model we had a chance to test… which probably wasn't by accident. And if you're curious, here are the EV version's specs: Which would you be keener to see here? Have your say in the comments. My drive of the D9 was brief, so this part of the review will be, too. What I learned after a couple of laps of a carpark with a marked course and hundreds of witches hats was that this is a better handling thing than you'd think. It's a 2.7-tonne bus after all, but it hustles. With a MacPherson front suspension setup and multi-link rear-end with adaptive damping, there was a level of driveability that I wasn't expecting from the D9. Of course it exhibits some body roll – in fact, it exhibits a lot of body roll. But the way that it ties corners together is impressive, with steering that is involving and direct, with trustworthy responsiveness. I had more fun than I expected to while pushing it through a slalom and attempting some tighter twists and turns. And the powertrain is superb, too. With a strong surge of torque from the electric motors at low speeds, the petrol engine kicks into life at about 70km/h, making for strong continued progress as pace climbs. There is a positive feel to the brake as well, despite it possessing a less aggressive regenerative braking system than you might expect – there's no single-pedal driving option. I didn't really attempt any parking manoeuvres, but the camera and sensor array made me feel confident it would be a simple thing to pilot into a spot, despite its size. Full specs and details aren't known yet, but below is a guide as to what the Chinese-spec model has. 2025 Denza D9 equipment highlights: The Denza D9 has a heap of standard safety gear fitted, as you'd expect – but it hasn't been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, naturally. It runs the DiPilot 300 ADAS system, with the following sensors included: It also has dual front, driver's knee, front side, rear side, and full-length curtain airbags. It is expected that Denza will hit our market with a strong warranty offering – possibly mirroring that of parent company BYD at six years or 150,000km. Battery pack warranty will be eight years, as is the industry standard. Servicing details and roadside coverage are yet to be determined. The Denza D9 is a plush and premium feeling people mover. It perhaps isn't as practical as a Kia Carnival, but it has a plug-in hybrid system that sets it apart. Should it make its way Down Under with competitive price positioning, the Denza D9 could be very intriguing for families and fleet customers Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: Denza is about to go on the hunt for Kia Carnival, Zeekr 009 and Lexus LM buyers. The luxury offshoot of Chinese mega brand BYD is looking at bringing the D9 people mover to Australia as a luxury offering with some high-tech powertrain options on the table. At a preview drive in China I tested out the Denza D9 DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and while it mightn't look like a cutting-edge option, the powertrain and drive experience were surprising. There is no confirmation yet that the D9 is coming to Australia, but in China it is priced between 339,800 and 600,600 yuan, or approximately A$72,750 to $128,500. The former pricing is for the DM-i plug-in hybrid model, while the high-end option is the fully electric model. It is understood that, if the D9 was released in Australia, it would be a plug-in hybrid first and foremost, with a limited market for $130,000-pus electric people movers here… That space is currently occupied by the Zeekr 009, and the LDV Mifa 9 – neither of which have seen significant cut-through or sales volume in Australia. Oh, and the Lexus LM range, which kicks off at $160,000 or so for a plug-free hybrid. The big-name in the Aussie market, though, is the Kia Carnival, which accounts for more than 80 per cent of all new people movers sold in the market. But that is the official new-vehicle number, and doesn't include the grey-import market for Toyota Alphard and Vellfire vehicles – reportedly tallying 599 units in 2024. That, according to BYD/Denza insiders, could be the market segment that this car will aim at. In other words, above a high-spec Carnival hybrid ($76,630 plus on-roads) but below the aforementioned six-figure electric MPVs. In China, it has a heap of standard equipment, and comes with a 2+2+3-seat layout with middle-row captain's chairs. Have your say in the comments – what should the D9 cost, if it comes Down Under? Up front there are screens aplenty. The driver gets an older-style 10.25-inch instrument display with a heap of at-a-glance information on offer, while the central touchscreen is a decent 15.6 inch unit with a number of key controls managed through it. There is climate control adjustment for all three rows of seating available through the screen, and handily that part of the menu system stays docked at the bottom as well. It is a deep tech setup with dozens of menus on offer, but I didn't have much time to play with it. The test vehicle had a second 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, with connected services allowing live streaming (and the back seat screens have that, too). Thankfully there are numerous useable physical controls as well, including buttons for the sliding rear doors and a number of other features. One that might get a lot of use is the button on the steering wheel to bring up the surround-view camera. It feels plush and comfortable, but also practical. There are cupholders between the seats, a console storage area, and a hidden shelf below the 'bridge' between the seats. The test vehicle featured down pillows for front and middle-row occupants, and the driver gets a digital camera mirror system to see out the back, as the rear-view mirror can appear crowded with a few faces on board. Second-row riders are spoiled. There are 50W wireless charging smartphone docks, USB-C charging ports, and touchscreens to adjust heating, cooling, massage and media settings. It's a very plush place to sit. There is a fridge that opens to second-row occupant too, with temperature adjustable between -6°C and +50°C – so you can keep your choccy milks cool or your sausage rolls hot. There are media screens for rear riders as well, and the overall comfort and entertainment experience is clearly aimed at the two in the middle row of seats. The biggest concern for potential buyers of this car could be that very seat layout. It has a 2+2+3 design, with the centre row seating being focused on luxuriousness rather than outright practicality, and that means those buckets don't slide forward to allow third-row access. Instead, you're expected to (be small enough to) slither between the captain's chairs to access the very back. It's manageable, but it certainly makes the slide/fold setup of MPVs like the Carnival seem simply elegant. Admittedly, no Carnival has the level of plushness the captain's chairs here have. But I'm not so sure that is as important as easy third-row access. Once in the very back row, the space is decent but not mindblowing. With the middle-row seating set for me to have a good amount of room, I was a bit cramped in the very back (at 182cm/6'0"). My knees were just brushing the lovely leather-accented trim and my toes were tightly positioned under the seat, but there are great amenities in the back. Third-row passengers get things like cupholders (x4), pockets on the middle-row seatbacks (x6), USB-C ports (x2), electric sliding and reclining for the seats, and even third-row seat heating and cooling! There's also a flip-down armrest, and it would make a more comfortable six-seater than seven-seater, I'd say. Additionally, there are ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the window seats for both rear rows, and top-tethers, of course, too. Boot space varies between 390 litres with the third row upright to a claimed 2310L with the rear rows of seating folded away. Again, it isn't as cleverly packaged as a Carnival when it comes to the boot area, as those very rear seats cannot be folded down into the floor area, meaning you'll have to plonk stuff on top if you need to take a lot of stuff with you. Here are the specs of the Denza D9 DM-i, which is the model we had a chance to test… which probably wasn't by accident. And if you're curious, here are the EV version's specs: Which would you be keener to see here? Have your say in the comments. My drive of the D9 was brief, so this part of the review will be, too. What I learned after a couple of laps of a carpark with a marked course and hundreds of witches hats was that this is a better handling thing than you'd think. It's a 2.7-tonne bus after all, but it hustles. With a MacPherson front suspension setup and multi-link rear-end with adaptive damping, there was a level of driveability that I wasn't expecting from the D9. Of course it exhibits some body roll – in fact, it exhibits a lot of body roll. But the way that it ties corners together is impressive, with steering that is involving and direct, with trustworthy responsiveness. I had more fun than I expected to while pushing it through a slalom and attempting some tighter twists and turns. And the powertrain is superb, too. With a strong surge of torque from the electric motors at low speeds, the petrol engine kicks into life at about 70km/h, making for strong continued progress as pace climbs. There is a positive feel to the brake as well, despite it possessing a less aggressive regenerative braking system than you might expect – there's no single-pedal driving option. I didn't really attempt any parking manoeuvres, but the camera and sensor array made me feel confident it would be a simple thing to pilot into a spot, despite its size. Full specs and details aren't known yet, but below is a guide as to what the Chinese-spec model has. 2025 Denza D9 equipment highlights: The Denza D9 has a heap of standard safety gear fitted, as you'd expect – but it hasn't been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, naturally. It runs the DiPilot 300 ADAS system, with the following sensors included: It also has dual front, driver's knee, front side, rear side, and full-length curtain airbags. It is expected that Denza will hit our market with a strong warranty offering – possibly mirroring that of parent company BYD at six years or 150,000km. Battery pack warranty will be eight years, as is the industry standard. Servicing details and roadside coverage are yet to be determined. The Denza D9 is a plush and premium feeling people mover. It perhaps isn't as practical as a Kia Carnival, but it has a plug-in hybrid system that sets it apart. Should it make its way Down Under with competitive price positioning, the Denza D9 could be very intriguing for families and fleet customers Everything BYD Content originally sourced from:
West Australian
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
2025 BYD Denza D9 review: Quick drive
Denza is about to go on the hunt for Kia Carnival , Zeekr 009 and Lexus LM buyers. The luxury offshoot of Chinese mega brand BYD is looking at bringing the D9 people mover to Australia as a luxury offering with some high-tech powertrain options on the table. At a preview drive in China I tested out the Denza D9 DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and while it mightn't look like a cutting-edge option, the powertrain and drive experience were surprising. There is no confirmation yet that the D9 is coming to Australia, but in China it is priced between 339,800 and 600,600 yuan, or approximately A$72,750 to $128,500. The former pricing is for the DM-i plug-in hybrid model, while the high-end option is the fully electric model. It is understood that, if the D9 was released in Australia, it would be a plug-in hybrid first and foremost, with a limited market for $130,000-pus electric people movers here… That space is currently occupied by the Zeekr 009, and the LDV Mifa 9 – neither of which have seen significant cut-through or sales volume in Australia. Oh, and the Lexus LM range, which kicks off at $160,000 or so for a plug-free hybrid. The big-name in the Aussie market, though, is the Kia Carnival, which accounts for more than 80 per cent of all new people movers sold in the market. But that is the official new-vehicle number, and doesn't include the grey-import market for Toyota Alphard and Vellfire vehicles – reportedly tallying 599 units in 2024. That, according to BYD/Denza insiders, could be the market segment that this car will aim at. In other words, above a high-spec Carnival hybrid ($76,630 plus on-roads) but below the aforementioned six-figure electric MPVs. In China, it has a heap of standard equipment, and comes with a 2+2+3-seat layout with middle-row captain's chairs. Have your say in the comments – what should the D9 cost, if it comes Down Under? Up front there are screens aplenty. The driver gets an older-style 10.25-inch instrument display with a heap of at-a-glance information on offer, while the central touchscreen is a decent 15.6 inch unit with a number of key controls managed through it. There is climate control adjustment for all three rows of seating available through the screen, and handily that part of the menu system stays docked at the bottom as well. It is a deep tech setup with dozens of menus on offer, but I didn't have much time to play with it. The test vehicle had a second 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, with connected services allowing live streaming (and the back seat screens have that, too). Thankfully there are numerous useable physical controls as well, including buttons for the sliding rear doors and a number of other features. One that might get a lot of use is the button on the steering wheel to bring up the surround-view camera. It feels plush and comfortable, but also practical. There are cupholders between the seats, a console storage area, and a hidden shelf below the 'bridge' between the seats. The test vehicle featured down pillows for front and middle-row occupants, and the driver gets a digital camera mirror system to see out the back, as the rear-view mirror can appear crowded with a few faces on board. Second-row riders are spoiled. There are 50W wireless charging smartphone docks, USB-C charging ports, and touchscreens to adjust heating, cooling, massage and media settings. It's a very plush place to sit. There is a fridge that opens to second-row occupant too, with temperature adjustable between -6°C and +50°C – so you can keep your choccy milks cool or your sausage rolls hot. There are media screens for rear riders as well, and the overall comfort and entertainment experience is clearly aimed at the two in the middle row of seats. The biggest concern for potential buyers of this car could be that very seat layout. It has a 2+2+3 design, with the centre row seating being focused on luxuriousness rather than outright practicality, and that means those buckets don't slide forward to allow third-row access. Instead, you're expected to (be small enough to) slither between the captain's chairs to access the very back. It's manageable, but it certainly makes the slide/fold setup of MPVs like the Carnival seem simply elegant. Admittedly, no Carnival has the level of plushness the captain's chairs here have. But I'm not so sure that is as important as easy third-row access. Once in the very back row, the space is decent but not mindblowing. With the middle-row seating set for me to have a good amount of room, I was a bit cramped in the very back (at 182cm/6'0'). My knees were just brushing the lovely leather-accented trim and my toes were tightly positioned under the seat, but there are great amenities in the back. Third-row passengers get things like cupholders (x4), pockets on the middle-row seatbacks (x6), USB-C ports (x2), electric sliding and reclining for the seats, and even third-row seat heating and cooling! There's also a flip-down armrest, and it would make a more comfortable six-seater than seven-seater, I'd say. Additionally, there are ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the window seats for both rear rows, and top-tethers, of course, too. Boot space varies between 390 litres with the third row upright to a claimed 2310L with the rear rows of seating folded away. Again, it isn't as cleverly packaged as a Carnival when it comes to the boot area, as those very rear seats cannot be folded down into the floor area, meaning you'll have to plonk stuff on top if you need to take a lot of stuff with you. Here are the specs of the Denza D9 DM-i, which is the model we had a chance to test… which probably wasn't by accident. And if you're curious, here are the EV version's specs: Which would you be keener to see here? Have your say in the comments. My drive of the D9 was brief, so this part of the review will be, too. What I learned after a couple of laps of a carpark with a marked course and hundreds of witches hats was that this is a better handling thing than you'd think. It's a 2.7-tonne bus after all, but it hustles. With a MacPherson front suspension setup and multi-link rear-end with adaptive damping, there was a level of driveability that I wasn't expecting from the D9. Of course it exhibits some body roll – in fact, it exhibits a lot of body roll. But the way that it ties corners together is impressive, with steering that is involving and direct, with trustworthy responsiveness. I had more fun than I expected to while pushing it through a slalom and attempting some tighter twists and turns. And the powertrain is superb, too. With a strong surge of torque from the electric motors at low speeds, the petrol engine kicks into life at about 70km/h, making for strong continued progress as pace climbs. There is a positive feel to the brake as well, despite it possessing a less aggressive regenerative braking system than you might expect – there's no single-pedal driving option. I didn't really attempt any parking manoeuvres, but the camera and sensor array made me feel confident it would be a simple thing to pilot into a spot, despite its size. Full specs and details aren't known yet, but below is a guide as to what the Chinese-spec model has. 2025 Denza D9 equipment highlights: The Denza D9 has a heap of standard safety gear fitted, as you'd expect – but it hasn't been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, naturally. It runs the DiPilot 300 ADAS system, with the following sensors included: It also has dual front, driver's knee, front side, rear side, and full-length curtain airbags. It is expected that Denza will hit our market with a strong warranty offering – possibly mirroring that of parent company BYD at six years or 150,000km. Battery pack warranty will be eight years, as is the industry standard. Servicing details and roadside coverage are yet to be determined. The Denza D9 is a plush and premium feeling people mover. It perhaps isn't as practical as a Kia Carnival, but it has a plug-in hybrid system that sets it apart. Should it make its way Down Under with competitive price positioning, the Denza D9 could be very intriguing for families and fleet customers alike. MORE: Everything BYD
