The minivan segment was once very popular in the United States and Europe. And while there are still some decent MPV offerings at both sides of the big pond, the variety is generally kept to a minimum. That is not the case in China, however, where large and boxy people haulers are now becoming increasingly popular and many local and foreign automakers are releasing new models. One of the latest to join the party is the Denza D9, which is available with plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains.
Let’s start with the brand itself. Denza is an equally owned joint venture between BYD and the Mercedes-Benz Group, which produces luxury vehicles for the People’s Republic. Most previous models of the brand felt more like rebadged BYDs (a Chinese mainstream marque) but with this new product, Denza took things to another level. The D9 was launched in China last year and our friends at Wheelsboy recently got the chance to test and film an example.
