After BYD, the Chinese manufacturer number 2 in the world of electric cars, it is the turn of its high-end division to prepare to make its arrival on the European market. Denza should therefore soon land with us with its D9, an electric minivan designed in partnership with Mercedes and marketed since last year in China.
If you read our lines diligently, you have probably already heard of Denza. Founded in 2010, the brand is actually a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes, which has given rise to several models. But the results were not really there, the German firm decided to reduce its stake and leave control of the brand at 90% to his partner. However, the manufacturer with the star is always present and continues to work discreetly with BYD.
Imminent arrival
This is how Denza unveiled the D9 at the end of last year, an electric minivan hitherto only intended for the Chinese market. Direct rival of the Zeekr 009, this one relies on comfort and technology, with its sliding doors that can be opened remotely, up to eight meters. On board, no less than seven screens are scattered everywhere, so a large 17.3 inches on the dashboard.
With its 5.25 meters long, the Denza D9 does not really seem to have been designed for European roads. And yet, this one is getting ready to make its arrival with us. This is in any case what was announced by Zhao Changjiang, general manager of the company. It was on his Weibo account that the businessman confirmed this information.
Recently exhibited at the Bangkok show in Thailand, the new Denza D9 will therefore be marketed in Hong Kong and Macao as well as in Europe. The boss announces a selling price of between 600,000 and one million yuan, which is equivalent to a price ranging between 80,493 and 134,156 euros. But it could cost even more, as is the case with most Chinese cars sold here.
If several versions are currently marketed, in plug-in hybrid and electric, it is only the latter which should make the road to Europe. For the record, the sale of thermal cars will be prohibited on the Old Continent from 2035. There will still be an exception concerning synthetic fuels.
Other models to follow
As a reminder, the electric Denza D9 has a power of 313 or 374 horsepower, optionally with two or four-wheel drive. It features a Blade LFP (lithium – iron – phosphate) battery developed by BYD with a capacity of 103 kWh and offering a range of up to 600 kilometers according to the Chinese CLTC cycle. We should therefore rely instead on 500 kilometers WLTPwhich is very correct.
Because having great autonomy is not necessarily essential, especially since the electric van only takes 15 minutes to recover 230 kilometers, at a power of 166 kW. A small performance that we owe to the presence of two charging ports, as General Motors is also working on it. Note that the minivan is also equipped with level 2 autonomous driving.
For now, no specific date has been announced for the arrival of the Denza D9 on the Old Continent. Later, other models should also follow, including the new N7 recently formalized and integrating a made in France audio system signed Devialet. It will begin marketing in China later this year for a price of 400,000 yuan, or approximately 54,473 euros. He should therefore not be eligible for the ecological bonus upon his arrival with us.
Anyway, it could be reserved for cars produced in Europe, while measures have been announced to promote local industry. Later, theThe future Denza N8 should also make the trip, but this one has not yet been officially unveiled. As explained by Car News China, it will be able to accommodate up to seven passengers on board.
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