2026 Denza D9 EV leaked in China – new grille design, now with 462 PS with FWD, 557 PS with AWD

Launched in Malaysia nearly precisely a 12 months in the past, the Denza D9 is proving to be fairly a frequent sight right here, however a 2026 mannequin 12 months replace is already being deliberate over in China. Not a lot is being modified visually, however a ministry of trade and data expertise (MIIT) submitting is hinting at an enormous improve underneath the pores and skin, in line with Autohome.

The electrical model of the D9 has at all times been set other than the plug-in hybrid model via the vertical silver bars on its closed-off grille. Nonetheless, it appears like Denza will unify the lineup by giving the EV the identical grille as its petrol-electric sibling, that includes rows of flag-shaped inserts. It seems there may also be a model of the automotive with vertical “shards”, presumably a higher-end “luxurious” mannequin.

In any other case, the outside appears virtually equivalent to earlier than, with the identical rose gold-accented headlights, sail-like silver D-pillars, full-width taillights and rear bumper design. Even the 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels have been retained, albeit joined by new design choices. Count on a couple of minor trim and color choices on the within to assist modernise the D9’s luxurious cabin.

The large information, nonetheless, is underneath the bonnet, the place the D9 now sports activities near double the facility. Even the single-motor front-wheel-drive model makes 462 PS (340 kW), greater than even the present dual-motor all-wheel-drive mannequin and a whopping 149 PS (110 kW) enhance over its predecessor.

In the meantime, the AWD variant good points an also-uprated 95 PS (70 kW) rear motor for an astonishing 557 PS (410 kW), a soar of 190 PS (140 kW). The vastly-increased outputs helps the D9 compete with the massively highly effective Zeekr 009 and will ship a fine addition in acceleration; for reference, the present automotive will get from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds for the FWD mannequin and 6.9 seconds with AWD.

No different technical particulars have been launched, however we hope that the D9 will achieve a bigger battery (the outgoing mannequin already has a sizeable 103.6 kWh Blade LFP pack) to go well with the uprated powertrain, growing vary and aiding its long-distance credentials. This was the one criticism we had with the outgoing AWD mannequin which, by the way in which, can journey as much as 480 km on a single cost on the WLTP cycle. Additionally, a bump in DC quick charging enter (at present 166 kW max) wouldn’t go amiss.

One factor that isn’t anticipated for our market is BYD’s China-exclusive God’s Eye suite of driver assists, upgraded to model 5.0. This may ship enhancements to the autonomous emergency braking and evasive steering help features with higher detection of autos, pedestrians and cyclists, along with offering highly-automated metropolis and freeway driving. This makes use of an elevated variety of cameras and a roof-mounted lidar sensor, already fitted to the Chinese language-market D9.

GALLERY: 2025 Denza D9 Premium AWD in Malaysia

Seeking to promote your automotive? Promote it with Automotive.