Luxury EV brand DENZA set for PH launch in Q1 2026
Even as late as five years ago, BYD had a miniscule presence in the Philippines, even though it was known worldwide for its innovative electric vehicles (EV).
But nowadays, Filipinos just can’t get enough of these electrified runabouts because of their unparalleled value for money, both in terms of energy consumption and abundance of standard features. Building on its huge success, the world’s leading EV manufacturer is taking on luxury stalwarts like Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz on our shores.
BYD Philippines (a separate entity from ACMobility’s BYD Cars Philippines) announced this week that it will officially launch DENZA within the first quarter of 2026.
“The future of premium mobility isn’t defined by excess – it’s defined by intelligence,” said BYD and DENZA Philippines country head Adam Hu in a press statement.
“Nowadays, it is technology that truly drives elegance,” he added. “And at DENZA, we see new energy vehicles as an opportunity to rethink how power, comfort, and sustainability can work together in a more thoughtful, human way.”
The Chinese luxury carmaker was founded in 2010 as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz. As of press time, it is available in China, Hong Kong, Europe and Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Among DENZA’s core innovations are its DiSus intelligent suspension system that the carmaker claims “delivers outstanding ride comfort without sacrificing handling,” as well as its e3 platform that promises “confident performance, precise control, enhanced safety, and exceptional maneuverability.”
We take a look at the possible models that DENZA could bring to the Philippines.
Ultimate MPV
Photos from the DENZA Philippines press kit include several units of the D9 multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), which was launched globally in 2022.
This big cruiser is resplendent with features like electrically adjustable and air-conditioned, second-row captain seats with massage function, a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a refrigerator and BYD’s “God’s Eye” advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS).
In other markets, the D9 is available as a battery EV with a 103-kWh battery pack. The single-motor variant has 308 horsepower, 360 Newton-meters of torque and a maximum claimed WLTP range of 520 kilometers, while the dual-motor variant gets 369 horsepower, 470 Newton-meters of torque and up to 480 kilometers of claimed WLTP range.
The D9 is also available with BYD’s innovative DM-i plug-in system that combines a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor. The front-wheel-drive model has a 20.39-kWh or a 40.06-kWh battery for a combined output of 296 horsepower and 571 Newton-meters of torque.
Meanwhile, the all-wheel-drive D9 DM-i gets the bigger battery and an additional electric motor for a total of 401 horsepower and 681 Newton-meters of torque. This big DENZA will go up against premium multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) like the strong-selling Toyota Alphard and its more luxurious cousin, the Lexus LM.
955 hp, 6 seats
Another possible entry is the DENZA N8L full-size, three-row crossover, which is built on the same e3 platform as the D9.
As of press time, it is only available with a DM-i powertrain that combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine, a 46.99-kWh battery and three electric motors. Total output is hypercar-level at an eye-watering 955 horsepower.
Other high-tech features include God’s Eye B ADAS, rear-wheel steering, intelligent crab walking and an optional drone system produced by DJI. The N8L is expected to take on the likes of the Lexus LX600h, BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.
Super saloon
Finally, for people who aren’t fond of MPVs and crossovers, there’s the DENZA Z9.
Available either as a traditional four-door sedan or a five-door “shooting brake” wagon (known as the Z9 GT), this sleek executive car is available as a full battery EV with a 100.1-kWh battery pack and three electric motors for a combined output of 952 horsepower. DENZA claims a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 3.4 seconds and a maximum CLTC range of 630 kilometers.
The Z9 is also available in other markets with the same DM-i powerplant as the N8L, but with a smaller 38.5-kWh battery pack – combined output is 858 horsepower, with DENZA claiming a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 3.6 seconds. Other features include a Devialet surround-sound system, electrically adjustable rear seats, rear-wheel steering and intelligent crab walking.
Rivals for the DENZA Z9 include the Porsche Panamera, Porsche Taycan and Lotus Emeya.
