Nearly two years after bringing the electric D9 to export markets, Denza has now taken the plug-in hybrid version of the luxury MPV global, featuring the Dual Mode Intelligent (DM-i) powertrain. This time, the car is making its debut in Europe first, joining the flagship Z9GT wagon.
The addition of petrol power means the short bonnet now houses a 120 PS/220 Nm 1.5 litre turbo four-cylinder engine, paired with considerably less powerful dual motors – 231 PS (170 kW) at the front and 61 PS (45 kW) at the rear. While the electric motors perform the vast majority of the car’s propulsion, the combustion mill can also clutch in to help drive the front wheels at higher speeds, resulting in a total system output of 353 PS (260 kW) – still 21 PS (15 kW) less than the AWD version of the EV.
So equipped, the D9 DM-i can get from zero to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 180 km/h. Juicing the electric motors is a 58.5 kWh Blade LFP battery for a pure electric range of 210 km on the WLTP cycle. Combined with the 61 litre fuel tank, this gives the car a total range of 950 km – addressing the EV’s not-so-stellar range, a major gripe we had with the AWD version.
What’s more, just like the Z9GT, the D9 DM-i supports BYD’s 1,500 kW DC Flash Charging technology, albeit only at up to 559 kW. That’s still enough for the car to keep the Chinese carmaker’s promise of charging from 10 to 70% (ready to drive, as BYD claims) in just five minutes and from 10 to 97% (basically a full charge) in nine minutes. A total of 6,000 Flash Charging stations will be built outside China over the next 12 months, with 3,000 of those being earmarked for Europe.
On the outside, the D9 DM-i looks practically identical to the EV version that we get, with the only difference being the flag-shaped inserts on the grille; these are painted black in Europe. The wheels are also the same 18-inch multi-spoke alloys, which continue to look lost under the massive body.
Denza has not released any photos of the interior, but we do know that the DM-i version will gain a 10.25-inch passenger display. This is considerably smaller than the 15.6-inch unit found in the latest 2026 D9 in China, but you do now also get twin 50-watt Qi wireless chargers (just the one previously), so the rest of the updated model’s redesign cabin should be carried over.
The sound system has also updated from the previous 14-speaker Dynaudio setup to a new 16-speaker Devialet system. A 10.25-inch instrument display, a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12-inch head-up display continue to be standard, with European models gaining Google services like Google Maps built-in.
As per the electric version, the DM-i retains seven seats arranged in a 2-2-3 format, with the second-row captain’s chairs coming with built-in ottomans and Qi wireless chargers, heating, ventilation and massage functions, and armrest touchscreens for controls – plus a heated and cooled refrigerator.
However, occupants seated there finally gain 12.8-inch touchscreens mounted behind the front seat backrests, although the Chinese market’s new 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted monitor is again missing. The zones for the voice control system have also been increased from the previous four to six.
Boot space measures a minimum of 430 litres with all the seats up, expandable to 570 litres with the rearmost seats pushed all the way forwards. With the third row folded and the second row adjusted to its most forward position, you get 2,310 litres of cargo capacity. Last but not least, the D9 DM-i continues to be suspended on coil springs and DiSus-C adaptive dampers.
As yet, it is unclear if the D9 DM-i will make its way to Southeast Asia, including in Malaysia. Sales of the electric version have been decent, with 1,200 units sold here last year, and the PHEV version should enable Denza to properly take the fight to the dominant Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, as well as the also plug-in hybrid GWM Wey G9. What should be a shoo-in for our market is the updated EV with the new interior, Blade 2.0 battery and Flash Charging tech.
GALLERY: 2026 Denza D9 in China
