What makes something a flagship?

Flagship products represent the very best of a brand. Whether it's cars, electronic products, even services, a 'flagship' is core to a brand experience, as well as to the brand's image. Besides just delivering all the tangible features and functionality offered by the brand, a flagship product is also a showcase of the intangible - about what a brand stands for, and what it aims to deliver to customers.

DENZA, a BYD Premium Brand, has now been officially introduced in Singapore. We look at the various ways that the new DENZA D9, available in both all-wheel drive (AWD) and front-wheel drive (FWD) variants, pursues excellence to cement it as the true flagship of the brand.

Executive Excellence

As the brand flagship, the D9 certainly appeals to the executive.

Comfort and luxury is key. Twin captain chairs in the second row deliver this in spades, offering ample adjustability including a zero gravity mode that allows you to lie almost complete flat - perfect for a quick power nap when commuting between meetings.

In-cabin functionality, from adjusting the climate controls and toggling music to activating ventilation and massage functions, is all done using the touchscreen on the armrest. Memory seats also ensure that your ideal seating position is one touch away every time you enter the car. 50W charging pockets, neatly located at the side of each seat, also allow quick charging of mobile devices on the move.

Of course, high-quality materials abound. With ample use of Nappa leather in the AWD model or premium leather in the FWD model, and lashings of wooden trim, the D9 cabin delivers an air of quality and luxury.

And if working on the go is necessary, fold-out tray tables can serve as a work top. And, devices will remain juiced up on the go. Besides the 50W charging pad, each captain chair also has a USB-C port that can power a laptop.

Family Excellence

But beyond just going from meeting to meeting, the D9 is also socially adept - whether for family or friends.

It starts with generous space, of course. Courtesy of the D9's upsized dimensions and 3,110mm wheelbase, aft of the captain chairs is a third row with space to comfortably fit three adults, with air-con vents all around to keep everyone on board cool. There are even two USB-C charging points available to third row passengers.

Keeping passengers entertained is a premium 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system, through which a karaoke mic can be equipped - perfect for keeping kids (or friends) entertained. And when dry throats inevitably arise after a few rock ballads, an on-board fridge (big enough to hold 8 canned drinks) will be able to have thirst-quenching cold beverages at the ready!

And even for longer journeys such as a road trip with the family, the D9 makes little compromise. Even with 7 people aboard, a very reasonable and usable 410 litres of luggage space is available.

Tech Excellence

When it comes to technology and functionality, the D9 boasts a full suite of capabilities.

This electric flagship has a large 103kWh battery, which can deliver up to 520km (WLTP) of range on the FWD model, and 480km (WLTP) on the AWD model. The battery supports a maximum of 166kW DC charging, and the D9 also has V2L capability that allows for the powering of external devices when the need arises.

The single motor on the FWD variant produces 230kW and 360Nm of torque, with 0-100km/h dispatched in 9.5 seconds. For even more electrifying performance, the AWD model packs 275kW and 470Nm of torque, and does the century sprint in 6.9 seconds.

The D9 will also feature a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (fully available in Q4 2024), which includes the likes of Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking System, and even Highway Assist with automative lane change. This is on top of a comprehensive suite of safety systems to keep all occupants safe and secure.

Of course, the cabin also has a wealth of technology, as part of the DENZA Link Ultra-Intelligent Interactive Cockpit. On top of infotainment feature like audio connectivity and navigation, a voice interaction system also allows voice control of various car functions, including operating the sunroof and sunshade. 

Flagship Excellence

All these qualities combine to deliver the flagship excellence that the DENZA D9 promises - available in Advance (FWD) as well as Grandeur (AWD) variants. While the Advance variant is thoroughly equipped, drivers looking for higher levels of equipment and luxury can choose the Grandeur model. Besides more performance, additional equipment include the likes of the DiSus-C intelligent damping suspension, premium suede ceiling, a head-up display, Driver Monitoring System, digital rear view mirror, among others.

Whether you are a corporate executive looking to elevate your travels, or a family looking to uplift family experiences in the car, and perhaps even both, the DENZA D9 is a true flagship designed to over-deliver on comfort, technology and luxury to ensure excellence in every journey.  

The new DENZA D9 has officially been launched in Singapore.

Singapore's DENZA showrooms are at Sime Darby Motors, 305 Alexandra Road, and Harmony Auto, 7 Ubi Close (coming soon in October). The DENZA downtown showcase at ION Orchard Level 1 Atrium by Harmony Auto is taking place from 10 to 19 October, 10:00am to 10:00pm.

Attractive launch discounts and super-comfortable test drives are available at the two locations!

- Desmond