Denza D9 EV Receives Australian Approval

The Denza D9 MPV received Australian Design Rules (ADR) approval on December 1, 2025. The approval covers two full EV variants, marking the first pure electric vehicle under the Denza brand heading to Australia.

The ADR documentation presents specifications, such as power ratings and vehicle weights, that correspond precisely with Denza D9 EV variants available in other Right Hand Drive Markets such as Hong Kong and Thailand.

This indicates that the variants and inclusions we will receive in Australia will likely be consistent with what is available in those markets, so let's take a closer look at what is currently available in Hong Kong and Thailand...

Two Variants, Clear Differentiation

ADR documents present a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD) option.

Both variants share identical dimensions:
- 5.25m L x 1.96m W x 1.92m H
- 3.11m Wheelbase

The D9 measures roughly the same size as the Kia Carnival, but with one significant difference—the D9 stands 15cm taller, translating to more headroom throughout the cabin.

The FWD variant weighs 2,764kg and produces 230kW of power. The AWD variant weighs 2,865kg and produces 275kW of power.

Based on the Hong Kong specifications, both variants will likely pack a 103kWh BYD LFP Blade Battery. The battery in the Hong Kong variants accept up to 11kW AC charging and 166kW DC fast charging.

In Hong Kong, the FWD variant hits 0-100km/h in 9.5 seconds with a WLTP range of 520km. The AWD variant does the same sprint in 6.9 seconds with a WLTP range of 480km.

The FWD features FSD variable damping suspension, while the AWD gets the more advanced Disus-C intelligent damping suspension.

Premium Features Across Both Variants

The AWD variant in Hong Kong includes Full Nappa leather seats, front massage seats, and a live streaming rear vision mirror. The FWD gets standard leather seats and a conventional mirror.

Both variants share the core luxury features: middle row captain's chairs with in-built LCD touch screen remotes, seat memory and ventilation, a 14-speaker audio system, and a beverage heating/cooling compartment.

Both variants include four ISOFIX points across the middle and third row seats, double-layered soundproof glass throughout the cabin, and BYD's full suite of ADAS features as standard.

EV-Only Market Entry

Denza launched in Australia with two PHEVs—the Denza B5 and Denza B8. The D9 breaks that pattern as the brand's first pure EV in this market.

In China, the D9 is available as both a PHEV and full EV. Australia appears to only be getting the EV variants at this point in time. This mirrors the Hong Kong market approach, where Denza also sells exclusively the D9 EV.

While the Kia Carnival dominates the Australian MPV segment, the only electrified option is a hybrid (not a PHEV). There is a gap in the market as full EV MPV options remain limited, with existing models such as the Zeekr 009, VW ID.Buzz, and LDV Mifa 9 all priced between $115,000 and $140,000 AUD.

Competitive Positioning Analysis

The D9's specifications sit in an interesting middle ground.

Range comparison:

• Denza D9 FWD: 520km
• Denza D9 AWD: 480km
• VW ID.Buzz LWB: 452km
• Zeekr 009 FWD: 604km
• Zeekr 009 AWD: 582km
• LDV Mifa 9: 430km

While the D9 doesn't lead on range specifications, the FWD variant currently sells in Thailand for approximately $90,000 AUD. If similar pricing were to be applied in Australia that would create a $20,000 price advantage over the competition.

80km less range than the Zeekr 009, but potentially $20,000 in savings—a trade-off that will likely appeal to buyers in that segment.

Market Entry Implications

Denza positions itself as BYD's premium sub-brand. In China, the Denza D9 is one the countries best-selling MPV's with 117,978 units sold in 2023, providing substantial market validation.

The Australian EV market hit 9.7% of new car sales in the September 2025 quarter, with monthly sales breaking through 15% market share for the first time in June 2025. The market is expanding, and premium EV entries have room to grow.

The D9 targets buyers looking for a premium MPV that's fully electric. If priced correctly around the $90,000 mark, it undercuts established premium EV MPVs by a significant margin while offering comparable features and specifications.

The EV-only approach for the D9 differentiates it from both the Kia Carnival hybrid and Denza's own PHEV lineup. It creates a clear position for it in the market: The D9 will be the pure electric option for buyers who need the space and want it with zero emissions, but without the six-figure price tag.

What This Means for BYD Enthusiasts

The ADR approval confirms the D9 is coming. The core specifications are locked in that appear to match the proven Hong Kong and Thai variants.

For potential buyers, the D9 represents a new option in the premium MPV space—one that offers a full electric drivetrain and positions itself as a value alternative to the current $115,000+ offerings.

With ADR approval secured, the market now awaits official announcement and Australian pricing confirmation.

Denza D9 EV Specs (Thailand and HK Variants)