Another Chinese EV brand is coming to Malaysia and the latest player is Denza, a premium sub-brand under BYD Group. To pave the way for the entry of the brand, BYD Auto Industry Co Ltd has officially signed a Denza Importation and Distribution agreement with Sime Darby Auto Imports Sdn Bhd and BYD Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
Sime Darby to import, BYD to distribute Denza vehicles in Malaysia
According to BYD, Sime Darby Auto Imports Sdn Bhd has been appointed as the official importer of Denza vehicles in Malaysia. Meanwhile, official local distribution is handled by BYD Malaysia Sdn Bhd. It added that the signing marks the first step of Denza entering Malaysia and they are set to bring a new dimension to Malaysia’s EV market with premium cutting-edge technology, features and driving technology.
BYD says that through Denza, it aims to provide Malaysians with a more diverse, innovative, and premium EV experience.
Commenting on the signing, BYD General Manager for Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division Liu Xueliang said, “We are excited to partner with Sime Darby Auto Imports to bring Denza to the Malaysian market, marking a significant milestone for BYD in our journey to expand our electric vehicle offerings in Southeast Asia. Being at the forefront of innovation, we are proud to bring our advanced EV technology to Malaysia where the appetite for sustainable mobility continues to grow. With Denza, we will be able to offer our customers a better experience through our premium technology and features within the EV industry. We believe Denza will redefine the premium EV experience and set new standards for Malaysian drivers.”
Meanwhile, Sime Darby Motors Managing Director for Assembly and Strategic Business, Dennis Ho, said, “This official signing marks a momentous milestone for us as we venture into a new partnership with BYD Auto Industry and BYD Malaysia. Through this, we look forward to forge a stronger partnership with BYD, expanding our presence in the EV market while diversifying Sime Darby’s EV portfolio. We are committed to a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of electric vehicles in Malaysia and we believe that bringing in Denza will be a significant part of this journey.”
BYD Malaysia Managing Director Eagle Zhao said, “BYD’s mission has always been to make electric vehicles accessible to more people, and with the introduction of Denza, we are offering Malaysian drivers a premium choice that embodies both luxury and sustainability. The rapid adoption of EVs in Malaysia is a testament to the country’s progress in embracing a cleaner, greener future. We are proud to play a part in this transformation, expanding our diverse offerings and innovative solutions that meet the needs of a new segment of drivers.”
Denza was founded in 2010 as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz. The first product under the collaboration was the Denza EV, a fully electric vehicle built based on the Mercedes-Benz B Class platform. Mercedes-Benz started reducing its stake in Denza in 2021 and has fully transferred its remaining shares to BYD in September 2024.
A few months ago, BYD announced the arrival of the Denza brand in Singapore and the brand will handle the importation and distribution of the vehicles. It has appointed Vantage Auto, a subsidiary of Sime Darby, and Harmony Auto, a retail and distribution group, as official dealers in the island republic.
BYD to launch Denza D9 in Malaysia soon?
In China, Denza offers several EV and PHEV models covering fastback sedans, SUVs and MPVs. From the current lineup, it appears that the Denza D9 is their first global right-hand drive (RHD) model which is also likely to enter Malaysia as early as Q1 2025.
The Denza D9 is the brand’s premium fully-electric MPV which goes head-to-head with the likes of the Toyota Vellfire and Alphard, as well as its electric contenders like the Zeeker 009.
In Hong Kong, the Denza D9 is offered in two variants, an Advanced FWD model and a Premium AWD version. The FWD version has a total power output of 230kW (308hp) and 360Nm of torque, capable of propelling this 2.8-tonne EV from 0 to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
Meanwhile, the more powerful AWD model has an output of 275kW (369hp) and 470Nm, with a quicker 0-100 time of 6.9 seconds.
Both versions are equipped with a large 103kWh BYD LFP Blade battery which can deliver up to 600km of NEDC rated range for the FWD model or up to 580km on the AWD version.
The D9 supports DC fast charging up to 166kW and it comes with an 11kW three-phase AC on-board charger. Denza claims that a quick 10-minute charge on an ultra-fast DC charger can provide up to 150km of range.
Being a luxury MPV, the Denza D9 offers middle-row captain chair seats with massage and ventilation functions. It also offers extra amenities including a beverage cabinet with cooling and heating functions, a middle-row small table board and three 50W wireless phone charging pads. The Denza D9 also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L).
One of the most quirky features is the Denza D9’s ability to charge from two DC chargers simultaneously. In China, the Denza D9 has DC charging ports on both sides of the vehicle. This allows users to combine two “slower” DC chargers for a quicker DC charging top-up.
