LONDON: Denza has presented its second model for Europe - the D9 DM-i high-tech MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) with a Super Hybrid DM-i (plug-in hybrid) powertrain that delivers 130 miles (209km) of WLTP pure-electric range.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) offers a combined range of 590 miles (950km) on a full 64-litre petrol tank and a full charge.
The D9 will go on sale in the coming weeks in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.
Denza, the premium technology-oriented automotive brand of the BYD Group, said the D9 is an executive business tool for long-distance travel.
It offers sumptuous interior finishes and a flexible seven-seat layout, a useful load space, a Devialet sound system and 'zero-gravity' second-row seats that deliver first-class comfort.
BYD executive vice president Stella Li said, “It's first-class travel on wheels, regardless of whether you're in the driver's seat or the third row. We believe that state-of-the-art connected technologies, the comfort of the cabin environment and the huge cruising range of the DM-i powertrain make the D9 a truly sophisticated companion."
As with all Denza models in Europe, the D9 features BYD's latest Flash Charging technology that features industry-leading recharge speeds, even in freezing-cold temperatures.
In the case of the D9 DM-i, the 58.5kWh battery at the heart of the Super Hybrid system can be refilled at up to 559kW, allowing it to deliver the Denza promise of 'Full in 5, Ready in 9, Cold Add 3'.
Recharging from 10% to 70% takes just five minutes, while refilling from 10% - 97% requires only nine minutes.
And even in -30°C, extreme cold that normally causes charging speeds to drop significantly, the D9 DM-i's Blade Battery can be taken from 20% - 97% in only 12 minutes.
The 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine produces 120PS (88kW), and it acts primarily as a generator for the battery and dual electric motors – one on the front axle with 231PS (170kW), one at the rear with 61PS (45kW), for all-wheel drive.
The total system output is 353PS (260kW), ensuring effortless performance.
This translates to 0 - 100kph acceleration in 8.6 seconds, and a top speed of 112mph (180kph).
Super Hybrid's 'DM-i AWD' designation stands for 'Dual Mode Intelligent and All-Wheel Drive', although this simplifies a configuration that includes three electric motors (two drive motors, one generator motor), a petrol engine and constant management by power-control units.
There are two modes – 'EV mode' and hybrid 'HEV mode'.
In 'EV mode' the car uses only the electric drive motors, which can also recoup energy that would otherwise be lost during braking, to help recharge the battery.
When the driver selects 'HEV' or 'Hybrid mode', or the car activates this itself due to a depleted battery, the 'Intelligent' systems take over to flick between five configurations.
These can include using the generator motor to further boost the potential of the drive motors and maximise performance, and, on rare occasions, the petrol engine joining the drive motors to drive the wheels.
The D9's chassis configuration features MacPherson-strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, along with DiSus-C intelligent damping.
This decouples compression and rebound damping and is meticulously tuned to deliver comfort.
When the road surface is poor, DiSus-C can soften the damping to make the ride more compliant, preserving comfort; when the surface is good and the driver enters a corner at high speed, the damping can be stiffened to reduce body roll.
And DiSus-C adjusts these parameters in real time, thanks to a fully integrated control system that can make decisions in milliseconds.
Two trim levels are available in Europe.
Elegance trim has a generous standard-equipment list, including power activation for both sliding doors and tailgate, the 15.6-inch central infotainment screen and 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, the six-tone voice interaction system and LCD armrest screens in the second rows.
It gets Flash Charging as standard too.
Ultimate trim adds dynamic 'welcome-home' lights, foot gesture-activation for the sliding doors and the tailgate, real wood trim, Nappa-leather upholstery, the 'zero-gravity' second-row seats, heating and ventilation on all three rows of seating, a rear-view mirror camera and further screens for the driver (12-inch head-up display), front passenger (10.25in) and second-row passengers (2x 12.8in).
At the rear, a powered tailgate opens smoothly to reveal a flexible load space.
This trunk plays a key role in the D9's '777' ultimate comfort – namely, its ability to accommodate seven 180cm-tall adults along with seven 20-inch carry-on suitcases and seven business backpacks.
The interior is bathed in daylight thanks to a 1.1 sq metre panoramic glass roof, complete with an electric sunshade and 99% UV isolation.
Up front, the two occupants are served by heating and ventilation on their seats, plus 10-point massage functionality and eight-way electrical adjustment.
The middle row is said to rival first-class travel on airlines.
Called Air Spa 'zero-gravity' seats, they have 14-way electrical adjustment and a 16-point massage function.
They can also recline to up to 152 degrees, allowing their occupants to lean back and sleep on late-night journeys.
Even the third-row seats feature heating and ventilation, along with four-way electrical adjustment.
Access to the cabin is simple via the two sliding doors; they operate electrically and feature a soft-close mechanism for greater refinement, as well as an anti-pinch safety delay.
They can also be operated by foot gesture, along with the electrically powered tailgate.
In the cabin, up front there's a 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen, flanked by a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel on one side and a 10.25-inch passenger touchscreen on the other.
Powered by DENZA's DiLink software, the system is fully compatible with over-the-air updates and features Google built in and Apple CarPlay.
There are two more LCD screens in the armrests of the second-row seats, allowing occupants to make adjustments to content and entertainment choices.
And the second-row seats can also have their own 12.8-inch multimedia screens, mounted neatly on the front seat backs.
It's easy to keep devices charged up too, thanks to no fewer than four 50W wireless smartphone-charging pads (two in the front, two in the second row), five USB Type-C ports (one in the front, two in the second row, two in the third row) and a further USB Type-A port in the front.
The D9 features the highest-grade audio system ever available in an MPV, thanks to Denza's partnership with French sound specialist Devialet.
The theatre-grade set-up has 16 speakers and has been specifically tuned to deliver crisp, clean treble and mid-range, and powerful bass.
The car features six audio zones throughout the cabin, enabling everyone to access more than 200 voice-control instructions.
