BYD Denza Sub-Brand Set to Enter in Q1 2025, BYD PHEVs Soon

BYD Malaysia MD Eagle Zhao has confirmed that its Denza sub-brand will enter the local market in Q1 2025, alongside some PHEV models.

BYD is poised to expand its venture in Malaysia, as the Chinese automaker plans to introduce its Denza sub-brand into our market. This was confirmed by the managing director of BYD Malaysia, Eagle Zhao, during the BYD Seal Dynamic launch event yesterday at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil.

BYD Denza D9 luxury MPV

Specialising in luxury EVs and hybrids, the Denza sub-brand is slated to enter our local market as early as Q1 2025. Although Zhao didn’t confirm which brand will mark the local debut of said brand, all evidence points towards its flagship luxury MPV, the Denza D9, as said model was previously spotted donning a camouflage drape on our roads.

Apart from that, the right-hand-drive (RHD) version of the Denza D9 has also made its debut in the Hong Kong market earlier this year, which indicates that BYD has already begun the RHD production for said model.

The Denza D9 is available in either battery EV (BEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions, with the former featuring a battery capacity of up to 103-kWh that supports 166 kW of DCFC and providing a CLTC range of up to 620 KM. As for its powertrain, the D9 BEV comes with both single-motor FWD and dual-motor AWD versions, with the latter capable of churning up to 374 PS (275 kW) and 470 NM, enabling a century sprint to be completed in 6.9 seconds.

BYD Denza Z9 GT EV wagon debuted at the Auto China 2024.

Besides the flagship MPV, Denza’s lineup also includes several sporty models, including this sleek Denza Z9 GT EV wagon, which was born out of the brand’s collaboration with renowned German automaker Mercedes-Benz. Should BYD Malaysia decide to bring this sleek EV wagon into our market, it’ll be a more affordable alternative to the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, as both models share almost similar dimensions and power figures.

BYD Seal 06 PHEV (left) & BYD Seal U PHEV SUV (right)

Apart from the Denza sub-brand, Zhao also hinted that BYD Malaysia is ready to bring some of its PHEV models into our market. Again, the automaker boss didn’t explicitly mention any specific models or makes, except that these models will feature both of BYD’s proprietary DM-i and DM-p PHEV powertrains. These powertrain setups can be found in several BYD PHEV models like the Seal 06 saloon, the Qin L luxury saloon, the Seal U SUV, and many more.

BYD Shark PHEV pick-up truck (left) & BYD Fang Cheng Bao 5 PHEV 4x4 SUV (right)

However, this could also mean that the Malaysian market won’t get bigger BYD PHEV models like the BYD Shark pick-up truck and the Fang Cheng Bao 5 4x4 SUV—tthe latter previously tipped for a local launch during its preview at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024. Instead of the DM-i or DM-p setups, these two models share the same DM-o PHEV platform, which is reversed for bigger models such as 4x4 pick-up trucks or SUVs.