DENZA now set to dazzle PH with luxury EVs
The Philippine luxury-car market has long been dominated by stalwarts from Japan and Europe like Lexus, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
But amid the relentless tide of new premium brands from the People’s Republic, only one has the proven technology from local hit BYD Cars – DENZA officially debuted in the Philippines on Thursday with a ceremonial signing of its initial dealers at the DENZA Makati showroom on Chino Roces Avenue.
“Across Asia-Pacific, we’ve seen strong momentum for DENZA as more markets embrace premium new-energy vehicles,” said BYD Asia-Pacific auto sales division general manager Liu Xueliang in a press statement.
“That experience gives us confidence in the Philippines, where consumers are increasingly sophisticated and ready to engage with a brand that combines intelligent technology with refined design and comfort,” he added.
Although final prices and specifications are not yet available, three models will comprise the initial DENZA Philippines lineup – these include the D9 DM-i multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the B5 DM-O midsize sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and the B8 DM-O full-size SUV.
Lexus LM killer?
The D9 was launched globally in 2022 and is designed to go head-on with the ultra-luxurious Lexus LM MPV.
DENZAs’s 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.
D9 units in the Philippines get BYD’s innovative DM-i plug-in system that combines a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor.
In other markets, 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.
Bronco beware?
Meanwhile, the DENZA B5 made its global debut in August 2023 as the Fangchengbao Bao 5.
It uses a similar body-on-frame chassis and Super DM-O plug-in powerplant as the BYD Shark DMO pick-up truck, which means a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline generator mated to dual electric motors and a 31.8-kWh BYD Blade Battery. In other markets, combined output is a stunning 677 horsepower and 760 Newton-meters of torque.
Higher variants get hydraulic active suspension, along with a Devialet surround-sound system and a 50-inch heads-up display. The DENZA B5 is built to rival premium off-roaders like the Land Rover Defender 110 PHEV, Lexus GX550 and Ford Bronco.
Defender duel
Finally, the full-size, three-row DENZA B8 was launched globally on November 2024 as the Fangchengbao Bao 8.
It uses a longer version of the B5’s ladder-frame chassis to offer seating for up to seven, along with a 2.0-liter version of the Super DMO powertrain mated to dual electric motors and a 36.8-kWh battery – in other markets, combined output is a stout 738 horsepower, which is good for 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds.
For serious off-roading, the B8 features DiSus-P air suspension for a maximum ground clearance of 310 millimeters. There are also front, center and rear differential locks, low-speed four-wheel-drive mode and various off-road driving modes for a wide range of treacherous surfaces.
In other markets, the B8 gets a 12.3-inch instrument panel, a 17.3-inch infotainment system and a 12.3-inch passenger touchscreen, along with a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display.
Luxury goodies include a cooling storage compartment, ambient lighting, a fragrance system and an 18-speaker surround-sound system.
Rivals for the DENZA B8 include the Land Rover Defender 130 PHEV, BMW X7 and Lexus LX700h.
4 dealers, for now
DENZA Philippines said it will be the country’s sole distributor, starting with four dealers nationwide.
“Our role in the Philippines is to build DENZA the right way – with leadership, clarity, and long-term intent,” said BYD and DENZA Philippines country head Adam Hu in a press statement.
“We’re not here simply to introduce vehicles, but to establish a premium brand that Filipino customers can trust and grow with over time,” he added. “The Philippine market is advancing rapidly and is ready for a new expression of premium.”
Aside from DENZA Makati of the Harmony New Energy Service (Philippines) Ltd. Corp.,
DENZA Greenhills will be operated by E-Vantage Motors Inc., while ACMobility Premium Dealership Inc. (a subsidiary of local BYD and Kia distributor ACMobility) will handle DENZA Alabang and DENZA Cebu.
The luxury automaker said it will hold its official brand launch soon, where the final pricing and specifications of its lineup will be revealed. It added that pre-orders are now being accepted at its dealerships.
