Driving Report Denza D9: The Maxi Minivan
Denza is coming to Europe. It's no longer a question of if, but how – and with which models. Maybe the (mini)van D9? The thing with minivans is this: In the 1980s, Chrysler Voyager and Renault Espace were the big stars, as they were built less imposing than VW Bus and Co., but still comfortably accommodated seven people. They were the golden middle ground between a minibus and an estate car, but soon were disparagingly called "diaper bombers" or "retiree high-seats". Today, both "ugh target groups" coolly integrate SUVs, but without offering the space utilization of the vans.
They still exist in Asia and North America, but as over five-meter giants equipped with equally gigantic individual seats in the rear, which is why we approach the Denza D9 rather critically. Because it too stretches over 5.25 meters in length and greets us in the second row with generous seats, which can only be adjusted electrically via a tablet fixed to the seat. And when we think of the Maxus Mifa 9, which despite its great length offers no real space, we are initially skeptical. So, we first adjust the driver's seat, then the second row, and then we climb through to the third row – and find fine space!
The D9 looks more compact than it is
Finally, a van again that simply fulfills its original promise of transporting six or seven people and still offers decent trunk space, while cleverly disguising its size: With 5,250 x 1,960 x 1,920 mm, it is larger than a long VW T7, but looks more like 4.75 meters in length and 1.75 meters in height... but it does its job as a large minivan well. Especially since rows one and two also offer massage and air conditioning. And very importantly, Denza can also supply suitable cushions that make even the third row into a couch. Depending on the seat configuration, it offers 410 to 570 liters in the trunk – which can be expanded to 2,310 liters.
In the dashboard landscape, you can tell that it is a generation older than the new N7, but it too has cleverly arranged menus on the central screen and impresses with clean, odor-neutral processing. Here too, there isn't the slightest wave on the (partly faux) leather surfaces, all the seams run perfectly, and nothing looks greasy or cheap.
It can hardly handle curves
The 3.11-meter wheelbase, along with the clean suspension and damping, ensures comfort, but: handling is not its strong suit. With the indirect steering, you feel like you're stirring a bowl of pizza dough, the tires whimper for mercy even at low cornering speeds, and very soon the D9 just pushes straight ahead over the front wheels. By comparison, the 3.5-ton Yangwang U8 drives like a go-kart!
The drive train matches the rather sedate driving behavior, where you don't quite notice its sheer power. Here, Denza either combines a 102 kW 1.5-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors delivering 170 kW at the front and 45 kW at the rear. That theoretically adds up to 317 kW or a gigantic 431 hp, but the Chinese state "only" 407 hp, which feels more like 200 minus x. In China, there are three plug-ins and two electric versions, the former with a modest 40 kWh battery that can be charged at a maximum of 80 kW DC. AC charging is limited to 6.6 kW, and there is even V2L with up to 6 kW. With fuel, four-digit ranges should be possible, at least according to the data sheet.
Basically, the D9 also uses blade cells that provide additional stability as "cell-to-pack." In purely electric mode, there is a front-wheel drive with 312 horsepower and an all-wheel drive with 374 horsepower, allowing for charging at up to 160 kW DC. Here, a capacity of 103 kWh is available, which should be enough for up to 600 km according to the CLTC cycle, but in reality, it is likely to be between 400 and 450 km.
Prices start in China at around 330,000 RMB or approximately 42,750 euros, which could quickly become 60,000 euros in Europe. That's why we would prefer a simpler and possibly more compact version for Europe (perhaps as the D7).
What does that mean?
Unlike the N7, you can already see the age of the D9 (it appeared in 2022). It is almost too big for the Eurozone but could still be an interesting alternative to the Mercedes-Benz EQV and similar vehicles, especially for limousine and taxi services. Therefore, it will be interesting to see if Denza brings the D9 and if so, how! Especially since Mercedes-Benz would earn a share from every Denza sold in Germany... provided it is not ordered instead of an EQV.
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