The overall 2025 Malaysia Car of the Year award has been presented to the luxurious MPV model, Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury.
This marks the second consecutive year that electric vehicles have received the highest recognition, reflecting the ongoing development of EVs in the Malaysian automotive market.
The Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury was chosen for setting a new benchmark in terms of advanced electric powertrain technology, high refinement levels, comprehensive safety features, and modern luxury amenities that come as standard.
The Proton X50 1.5TD Flagship was awarded the “People’s Choice Award” for 2025, reflecting consumer sentiment regarding technology, energy efficiency, safety, and value.
Meanwhile, the “Automotive Person of the Year (APOY)” award was given to Dato’ Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President and CEO of Perodua.
Under his leadership, Perodua has consistently recorded strong sales performance, significantly contributing to Malaysia’s Total Industry Volume (TIV).
He has also supported broader industry development through vendor development, workforce skill enhancement, and alignment with national automotive policies and sustainability, thereby reinforcing Perodua’s role as a pillar of Malaysia’s automotive sector.
Notably, the MCOTY 2025 awards saw a substantial number of recipients consisting of electrified vehicles, particularly fully electric models.
At the same time, this outcome reflects how hybrid powertrains and modern turbocharged internal combustion engines have become the new norm among high-performance vehicles.
“The Malaysia Car of the Year award reflects the extent of progress in our automotive industry, not only in scale but also in innovation and sustainability.
“The significant presence of electric vehicles among the main award winners demonstrates Malaysia’s readiness to embrace cleaner and smarter mobility solutions,” said Deputy Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof.
He explained that this aligns with national and regional aspirations, as the government’s ongoing focus on energy transition opens opportunities for industry players to invest in green technology, strengthen local capabilities, and develop future mobility solutions.
The winners of 2025 MCOTY were selected through a transparent and comprehensive judging process, conducted by a panel of automotive journalists and experienced industry professionals.
Vehicles were assessed based on eight key criteria: Design, Safety, Ergonomics, Value, Practicality, Performance, Energy Efficiency, and Warranty. This comprehensive evaluation framework ensures that awards are granted to vehicles that are genuinely relevant in the real world and offer balanced excellence.
Denza Malaysia has announced that the selling price of the luxury electric MPV, the Denza D9, will remain unchanged at RM259,000 for the FWD variant and RM309,000 for the AWD variant.
These prices are valid only for the 2025 model year.
Since its launch in February 2025, over 1,200 units of the Denza D9 have been sold, making it the number one luxury MPV in Malaysia.
In conjunction with its first anniversary, Denza Malaysia continues to offer rewards worth up to RM15,000, including:
A complimentary 22 kW wall charger
A free 6-year or 120,000 km service package
A 6-year vehicle warranty
Denza customers will also have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive lifestyle experience that includes invitations to the Denza Golf Cup, premium culinary experiences, and special travel privileges that will be introduced gradually.
According to Eagle Zhao, Managing Director of Denza Malaysia, “As Malaysia moves into the next phase of electric vehicle adoption, we want to ensure that our customers feel confident and valued throughout their ownership experience.
“The first year has laid the foundation for trust, and the years to come will focus on delivering a more meaningful experience that reflects Denza’s premium lifestyle,” he stated.
As of this writing, the presence of the Denza D9 electric minivan is increasingly noticeable on the roads.
If you visit any major shopping center, you’ll see this electric vehicle confidently parked alongside Malaysia’s popular boxy MPV choices, the Alphard and Vellfire.
With similar dimensions, height, and importantly, an impressively luxurious appearance on the road, the writer is convinced it can serve as the best alternative to the Alphard/Vellfire twins—provided you don’t mind spending time at charging stations.
Here are our thoughts after several days of testing the Denza D9.
Appearance
As previously mentioned, the Denza D9 has become a favored choice among Malaysians looking for a spacious and comfortable commuter vehicle.
Its significant advantages include larger dimensions compared to its competitors and a longer wheelbase, complemented by a premium overall look.
There’s no need for aggressive body lines or a fierce front end.
With its understated elegance, the Denza D9 stands out on the road, featuring a chrome grille, stylish 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, and slim LED daytime running lights that extend downward.
The rear design is simpler, although the graphics on the main light unit can be somewhat busy.
Driver’s Cockpit
For drivers, the Denza D9 is equipped with features that facilitate a seamless driving experience.
The front seats come with eight-way adjustments, lumbar support, ventilation, adjustable headrests, and crucially, a cushion that supports the thighs—especially important for long-distance driving.
Physical controls remain available despite the Denza D9 being an EV.
The central console hosts several important function switches, such as those for opening side sliding doors, selecting driving modes, and accessing the rear passenger fridge.
The gear knob is large and premium-feeling, though the placement of the P and Start/Stop buttons could be improved, leading to occasional confusion while trying to shift gears.
Climate control relies on a 15.6-inch central screen.
Overall, I have no complaints about this setup—all essential functions are easily accessible, ensuring maximum comfort for rear passengers.
Space for the Boss
Speaking of rear passengers, or rather the boss, they will undoubtedly appreciate the features offered in the second-row seating. Upon opening the door, you are greeted with captain’s chairs that boast rare amenities, including:
Heating and ventilation functions
A 10-point massage feature
Head and footrests
Zero-gravity settings for ultimate relaxation
All these functions can be activated via control screens for both seats.
Additionally, the left-side rear passenger can maximize space by activating a “boss switch.”
Working from the cabin is also made easy with folding tables and storage for cool beverages, with temperatures adjustable from -6 to 50 degrees Celsius.
Thanks to premium Nappa upholstery, the travel experience is made even more comfortable, complemented by excellent noise and vibration isolation.
For the first time, I spent more time in the second row of the Denza D9 than in other test models, simply to enjoy its luxurious features.
Driving Experience
Despite its larger dimensions, I had no trouble handling this premium MPV.
It offers excellent visibility, responsive steering, and is aided by a surround camera system that provides clear, sharp images, thus ensuring the Denza D9 remains free of scratches.
As discussed in previous brief test drive articles, the Denza D9 offers settings for the drive system, steering, brake system, and MacPherson/Multi-link suspension configurations.
Notable features include adaptive Disus-C suspension settings for driving control and comfort tailored to your needs.
Most of the time, I preferred using Sport mode to ensure the comfort that rear passengers require, as body roll is more pronounced in Comfort mode, which could lead to discomfort.
It might be better to use Comfort mode on high-quality paved roads.
Despite being equipped with dual electric motors (outputting 369 hp and 470 Nm with acceleration times as quick as 6.9 seconds), I didn’t feel the need to drive the Denza D9 aggressively; a gentle throttle response sufficed for reaching desired speeds—all in the name of VIP passenger comfort.
Suitable for Long Journeys
The Denza D9 comes in two variants.
The version I tested is the AWD model, which has a moderate range of about 480 km (WLTP data).
If power isn’t a priority, you can opt for the FWD variant, producing 309 hp and 360 Nm, with a range of 520 km.
Fast charging is also a non-issue, as the Denza D9 supports DC charging up to 166 kW.
With fast charging stations available along major routes, long-distance driving in the Denza D9 is no longer a significant concern, especially when tasked with transporting VIPs to their destinations.
Price
Another advantage of the Denza D9 is its more affordable price.
Compared to competing models, the Denza D9 is available from as low as RM259,000, or slightly more for the Premium AWD variant, priced at RM309,000.
So, are you still considering purchasing a premium MPV from Japanese brands?
Denza D9 Specifications
Powertrain: Dual electric motors
Power: 369 hp, 470 Nm
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD)
Acceleration: 6.9 seconds (0-100 km/h)
Battery: LFP Blade, 103.36 kWh capacity
AC Charging: 11 kW
DC Charging: 166 kW
Range: 580 km (NEDC data)
Suspension: MacPherson/Multi-link, adaptive DiSus-C system
For most VIPs, VVIPs, and VVVIPs in Malaysia, the default vehicle frequently seen on the roads is none other than the most popular boxy MPVs: the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire.
This has been a common sight for the past 23 years, proving how essential such vehicles are for this demographic.
However, this situation may change with the introduction of several premium minivan models in the current market, which are available with electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain options.
One model that is already challenging the status quo is the Denza D9, a premium minivan from the luxury brand BYD.
Officially launched earlier last year, the Denza D9 is a three-row premium MPV that comes with a more affordable price tag compared to the Alphard/Vellfire duo—starting from RM259,000 to RM309,000 for the highest variant.
For this brief two-day, one-night test drive session, we were ‘challenged’ to experience the premium features that the Denza D9 aims to offer, starting from the Denza showroom on Jalan Klang Lama to Desaru, Johor.
Day One: Experience as a Boss
As soon as you open the sliding door, the Denza D9 provides a second-row layout featuring captain seats with a comprehensive package: headrest and footrest, heating and ventilation functions, 10-point massage, and zero gravity settings that can be adjusted via a separate touch screen on the armrest.
There are also wireless smart device charging slots and USB Type-C ports for both middle-row seats.
Feeling thirsty after a day of meetings? The Denza D9 includes a 6.8-liter refrigerator that can be set to temperatures between negative 6 and 50 degrees Celsius, enough to hold a few small bottles of water.
Additionally, there is a picnic table that can be unfolded from behind the front row seats. However, in our opinion, it might be more practical if the table were positioned closer to the second-row seats, to truly give that authentic business class flight feeling.
Want to maximize the second row? The Denza D9 does not offer a ‘boss switch’ function for the front passenger seat. Instead, you can access the ‘boss key’ menu through that small screen.
The use of premium Nappa upholstery makes for a more comfortable and less tiring travel experience.
Moreover, the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels in the Denza D9’s cabin are commendably low.
Tire noise is barely noticeable, and the use of double-glazed glass ensures that the sound of heavy rain doesn’t disturb the passengers’ sleep.
Importantly, with the standard smart adaptive suspension system DiSus-C, the Denza D9 is capable of providing a unique level of comfort throughout the journey.
Day Two: Working as a Driver for VIPs
After thoroughly enjoying the experience of being a VIP, on the second day, the writer ‘switched careers’ to take on the role of a driver responsible for bringing two VIPs back to Kuala Lumpur.
Upon entering the cockpit, the first thing the writer wants to commend is the driver’s seat adjustment, which is both comprehensive and perfectly suited for the task at hand.
It offers the essential support a driver needs, featuring eight adjustment levels, along with lumbar support, ventilation functions, and an adjustable headrest.
The center console still houses the gear knob and several physical buttons for key functions, such as drive mode selection, opening the side sliding door, and the rear door, plus a special button for accessing the refrigerator in the center.
The 10.25-inch cluster screen provides easily readable graphics; however, it would be better if it included a simpler analog theme option. Not all drivers prefer a screen filled with various information.
Fortunately, there is a head-up display (HUD) provided, allowing all crucial information to be read without requiring significant eye movement while driving.
The centrally located 15.6-inch screen is indeed large enough and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an easily navigable menu display and several shortcut buttons.
As a driver, this layout is genuinely appreciated, as it prevents the writer from fumbling to find and adjust vehicle settings, ensuring the two VIPs in the back remain comfortable without disturbance.
Driving Experience
In terms of dimensions, the Denza D9 is considerably larger compared to the Alphard/Vellfire duo, which is prevalent on the roads today.
However, it was not difficult for the writer to handle this premium MPV due to the large outward visibility, aided by a surround camera that ensures no body panels are scratched when entering narrow areas.
You can choose a softer and more relaxed steering tuning (Comfort mode) or a slightly heavier (Sport mode), depending on the conditions. However, most of the time, the writer preferred using Sport mode for a more natural response.
The driving modes available in the Denza D9 do not offer comprehensive settings.
This is because when Sport mode is selected, it only adjusts the ECU settings; you still need to enter the main screen menu to change the suspension, steering, and brake response settings as needed.
Speaking of suspension settings, based on our two-day driving experience, we found that the Denza D9 is more comfortable when using Sport settings.
In this condition, the body roll of this premium MPV is at an acceptable level, unlike in Comfort mode, where the body roll is more pronounced. Perhaps this mode is better suited for smoother and well-maintained road conditions.
Ideal for Long Journeys
The Denza D9 has advantages in terms of its powerful electric powertrain.
The unit we drove over the course of two days is the Premium AWD variant, equipped with a dual motor setup, with one motor for each axle.
The front axle is powered by an electric motor producing 308 hp and 360 Nm, while the rear axle is supported by a 60 hp and 110 Nm electric motor. Total power output? 369 hp and 470 Nm, with an acceleration performance of just 6.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.
Based on the driving experience the other day, the acceleration of the Denza D9 feels sufficiently powerful, smooth, and linear. Achieving speeds above the national speed limit does not require overly aggressive throttle action.
Simply pressing the throttle gently, this premium MPV can easily reach triple-digit speeds, and most importantly, the passengers in the back are hardly affected by the driver’s actions.
Is the Denza D9 suitable for long journeys? Yes!
Range anxiety is not a concern you need to think about, as this MPV can travel up to 580 km (NEDC data) on a full charge, thanks to the standard 103.36 kWh battery pack.
Moreover, with numerous fast charging facilities available along the main routes in Peninsular Malaysia, it makes it easier for you to transport VIPs to their destination without unnecessary worry.
Just stop at any fast charging facility, such as Johor Premium Outlet or major Rest & Relaxation (R&R) stops, and you can charge the Denza D9’s battery from 30% to 80% state of charge in just 30 minutes.
This is because the Denza D9 MPV is standardly equipped to support DC fast charging up to 166 kW.
Conclusion
Based on our brief driving experience the other day, we believe the Denza D9 can be a premium MPV option worth considering, especially for those looking to move away from the typical VIP vehicles available on the market.
It offers a powerful zero-emission driving package, a spacious and quiet cabin filled with various premium features, and importantly, at a price that is not overly expensive.
Starting at just RM259,000, you can get the front-wheel-drive version of the Denza D9, or opt for the Premium AWD variant to enjoy all the features we’ve mentioned.
Most interestingly, the Denza D9 is offered with cross-border warranty coverage across three countries (Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand), meaning that if you venture into these neighboring countries, you can still enjoy roadside assistance and after-sales service similar to what is provided in Malaysia.
Denza D9 Specifications
Drivetrain: Dual electric motors
Power: 369 hp, 470 Nm
Drive: All-wheel drive (AWD)
Acceleration: 6.9 seconds (0-100 km/h)
Battery: LFP Blade, capacity 103.36 kWh
AC charging: 11 kW
DC charging: 166 kW
Range: 580 km (NEDC data)
Suspension: MacPherson strut/Multi-link, adaptive DiSus-C system
Denza, the premium sub-brand of BYD, has delivered the first 200 units of the Denza D9 at the ‘Denza and BYD Electrifying Experience’ event held at Plaza Arkadia, Desa Parkcity, last weekend.
The special event welcomed early customers who had purchased the premium electric MPV during its launch phase last month.
Eagle Zhao, Managing Director of BYD Malaysia, stated that the delivery of the first 200 units of the Denza D9 marks a significant milestone for Denza in Malaysia.
“This overwhelming response reflects the growing demand for premium electric mobility and reaffirms our dedication to innovation, craftsmanship, and customer experience.
“We are committed to shaping the future of high-end EVs and look forward to delivering even more exceptional vehicles to our customers in Malaysia,” he said.
Launched on February 20, the D9 is priced starting from RM259,000 for the Advanced FWD variant and RM309,000 for the Premium AWD.
The Advanced FWD variant is powered by a single electric motor on the front axle, generating 308 hp and 360 Nm, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds.
Meanwhile, the Premium AWD features two electric motors delivering a total output of 369 hp and 470 Nm, reducing the century sprint time to 6.9 seconds.
Both variants are equipped with a Blade LFP battery with a capacity of 103 kWh, offering a driving range (NEDC cycle) of 600 km for the Advanced FWD and 580 km for the Premium AWD.
Those purchasing the D9 at the event or at any Denza Malaysia outlet before 16 March will receive an exclusive launch package, which includes a complimentary wall box along with an installation card and a six-year free service package.
THE Geneva Motor Show 2024 saw the unveiling of the Denza D9, marking the entry of the sub-brand into the European market.
For your information, Denza is a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz. The influence of the German car manufacturer is rather evident on the exterior and interior of the luxury people-mover.
Specifications for the European market have not been revealed yet, but it is expected to be similar to the Chinese market version, where the D9 is offered in plug-in hybrid and electric versions.
The PHEV version features a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 137 hp/231 Nm, and a single electric motor with 228 hp/340 Nm on the front axle. This combination generates a total power of 296 hp/571 Nm, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds.
With the addition of a rear electric motor, the AWD model enjoys a significantly higher output of 401 hp/681 Nm and a faster 0-100 km/h acceleration of 7.9 seconds.
On the other hand, the electric version of the D9 is driven by a front axle electric motor producing 308 hp and 360 Nm of torque. This version takes 9.5 seconds to reach a speed of 100 km/h.
Customers can also opt for the AWD model packing 369 hp and 470 Nm. The higher output reduces the 0-100 km/h acceleration time to just 6.9 seconds.
Both variants use a 103.4 kWh LFP Blade battery that provides a driving range of around 600 km for the AWD model and 620 km for the FWD model. These figures are based on the CLTC cycle.
Like most luxury MPVs currently in the market, the D9 has a boxy shape, electric sliding doors, and a large grille – with different designs to distinguish between the PHEV and EV versions.
Its size is also similar to its closest competitors, with a length of 5,250 mm, a width of 1,960 mm, a height of 1,920 mm, and a wheelbase of 3,110 mm.
Its large dimensions (larger than the LM) provide the D9 with spacious interior space, with almost every nook and cranny wrapped in luxurious leather.
The D9 features a 2-2-3 configuration with captain seats in the second row. You’ll find the cabin packed with plenty of features including a rear-seat entertainment system, control panels for the second-row seats, LED ambient lighting, a mini fridge, and a Dynaudio audio system.
According to reports, the D9 will be available in the European market by the end of this year.
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