Denza Officially Launches in Philippines with D9 DM-i MPV

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The premium new energy vehicle brand Denza, a high-end division of BYD, has officially launched its operations in the Philippines. The debut took place in Manila with the introduction of the Denza D9 DM-i, a plug-in hybrid executive MPV.

Last September 2025, when CleanTechnnica was in China for the BYD Media Plant Tour, we asked Adam Hu, Country Head of BYD Philippines, about the possibility of Denza in the Philippines. He didn’t hide the plan. “We have intentions to bring Denza to the Philippines, and as early as April last year we were already building the foundations for this. The Philippines is a very important market to us,” he told CleanTechnica. “Our partners are very strong in the luxury segment and we are eager to bring the brand.” However, he intimated that at that time the supplies were all targeted to their first-mover markets in China, which has a huge appetite for the luxury brand.

During the proceedings, BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division General Manager Liu Xueliang addressed the brand’s strategic entry. “Across Asia-Pacific, we’ve seen strong momentum for Denza as more markets embrace premium new energy vehicles. 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,” Xueliang said. He further clarified the brand’s market role, stating, “We’re not here to compete. The best tech must be enjoyed by more people. This is why we’re bringing in so many vehicles to the Philippines. Through Denza, we want to make the luxury market enjoy and feel our NEVs.”

The Denza D9 DM-i is a seven-seat MPV utilizing a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with dual electric motors and a 40 kWh Blade Battery. This powertrain produces a combined 401 horsepower and 681 Nm of torque. It features an all-wheel-drive configuration and offers a total driving range of 980 kilometers, with an electric-only range of 180 kilometers.

The interior is characterized by Nappa leather upholstery across all rows. The second row is equipped with zero-gravity seats featuring 10-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Technical equipment includes a 15.6-inch central infotainment screen, two 12.8-inch rear entertainment displays, and a 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system.

“What we’re building with Denza is a long-term vision for premium mobility—one where innovation serves the driver, sustainability is seamlessly integrated, and every vehicle reflects a smarter way forward. Nowadays, it is technology that truly drives elegance. 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,” Hu said.

The Philippine debut is part of a rapid global offensive for Denza. Once a domestic Chinese luxury play, the brand has spent the last year establishing a presence across Southeast Asia, with active operations in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In these markets, the D9 MPV serves as the flagship. Though, local executives have signaled that the lineup will soon diversify to meet a growing appetite for high-end electrified transport.

Beyond ASEAN, Denza is aggressively targeting Oceania and Europe to position itself against established legacy marques. In Australia, the brand recently launched the B5 and B8 plug-in hybrid SUVs—premium off-roaders aimed directly at the Toyota Land Cruiser segment—with plans to expand to over 20 dealerships by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, Denza made its European entry last year, leading with the Z9 GT shooting brake, a model that serves as the brand’s technical showcase for the Western market.

This global rollout is supported by a unified strategy that often rebrands BYD’s most advanced sub-series under the Denza umbrella for international buyers. From the high-performance Z9 GT in Europe to the rugged “Leopard” based SUVs in Australia, the brand is leveraging BYD’s most sophisticated platforms to establish itself as a dominant force in the global luxury new energy vehicle space.

Interestingly, the launch event featured a performance by the Manila Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Darrell Ang, to signal the brand’s positioning in the luxury segment.

Denza is establishing its presence through a four-dealer network in Makati, Alabang, Greenhills, and Cebu. The company also showcased the Denza Z9 GT, B5, and B8 models, which are expected to join the local lineup later this year.

The Denza D9 DM-i is priced at P4,298,000 ($74,436). An introductory price of P3,998,000 ($69,241) is available for the first 300 customers.