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Dear Forumers, Starting this topic as I believe some of us here may be in the same situation as me and I also hope to learn from the rest of the EV forumers here with respect to being a likely first-time EV owner. So, my 'hunt' started with a visit to the car showrooms at Leng Kee with a family member who was shopping for a car. Unwittingly, the 'shopping bug' latched on to me as well and I found myself 'magically' drawn to the showrooms myself with my family in tow. With regards to my current profile, I am driving an Alphard (Year 2021) thus when comparing 'apple to apple', an equivalent replacement would be another MPV. For the new Alphard, it costs anywhere between $360,000 - $400,000 (depending on dealer) with an annual depreciation from $31,000 onwards. From the online pictures and review, I didn't bother to check out the current Alphard as there wasn't any significant updates from my current ride. Instead, I paid a visit to the Lexus showroom to view the Lexus LM (7-seater). At > $600k, I didn't find the interior quality to be worthy of it's price tag. Even the SA commented that the LM is meant for would-be Alphard buyers with money to spare and distinguishing themselves from the 'peasants' Alphard crowd. Unsatiated, I looked elsewhere and found my gaze drawn to the EV MPVs from China, that were flooding the market coincidentally at this point in time. And thus, the impetus for this topic as to who will dethrone the long undisputed king of MPVs that is the Alphard. 1. Xpeng X9: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e6BfFyfb5mHigWXyuQo2YwiXHm-iblhs/view?usp=sharing This is the newest kid on the block and while the car is in the showroom, it is undergoing homologation at LTA thus no test drive is possible. As per the SA, the selling price is likely to be at $310,000 and depreciation (my estimate) about $28,000 - $30,000. Pros: This is the most futuristic MPV among the lot, in both its exterior and interior. My family loved the interior the most due to the TV (for rear passengers) ala the 7-series which folds down dramatically at the touch of a button. Most of the other functions in the cabin are also operated by 1-touch buttons making it seamless and modern. Last but not least, its 3rd row recess electrically into the boot at the touch of a button creating a completely flat rear cabin. Cons: In my opinion, the looks of the X9 is going to be divisive with polarising opinions. Personally, I am not able to fathom it's appearance, especially its rakish rear 3rd quarter. In some ways, it seems like it is modelled after the Tesla Cybertruck but I don't think it was pulled off as successfully. Therefore, I have my doubts as to its eventual resale value due to this main consideration. 2. Zeekr 009: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10SmD8B66eUKu5shV8Q2-SDRBFnk5fGOK/view?usp=sharing This is the car with a similar price tag as the new Alphard. I didn't enquire with the SA about the depreciation due to its initial hefty price tag and associated cost (more on that later). Pros: This is also a modern-looking MPV that drew comments like 'it looks like a Rolls Royce' from my family. It also features the most luxurious interior with it's trimmings and overall build quality. Most cars will also be left helpless in it's wake in a traffic light sprint as it's 0-100km/hr is in a class leading 4.5 seconds. Cons: Beyond the hefty price tag, the road tax is at a crazy $6.5k per annum. As one of the motivation for switching to EV is to lower the operating cost, this is definitely a huge red flag and therefore reduces it's appeal (didn't even test drive as don't want to waste the SA time). 3. Maxus Mifa 7/9: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vDibRvN8KYnmNLWnWJQc6f0qldVE_ka3/view?usp=sharing This is the most affordable car among the lot. Visited the showroom just to draw a level of comparison but didn't test drive as wasn't really keen on it. A note though that, this was the only showroom where we were not accosted by a SA thus maybe they had hit the sales quota for 2024. Pros: This has the lowest price tag and first mover rights as it was the first large 7-seater electric MPV to make its foray into the local market. Cons: No disrespect to current Mifa 7/9 owners, but I feel that the interior build quality and trimming reflects in the price tag. For the Mifa 9, the instrument cluster and head unit is really below par as more of an afterthought. However, I believe this was the best option in the past as it was the only sizeable MPV that is an EV and therefore, owners really didn't have much choices to consider. 4. Denza D9: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10YwRQpBtBkR2Jj_Rjc5syg2nzcVwhsHD/view?usp=sharing This was the only car I test drive as from the online research, it had ticked all the right boxes. Pros: First and foremost, it is unpretentious in its intention and looks like an Alphard. Therefore, I believe its design is more palatable for existing Alphard owners making the transition. Next, the price tag (depreciation at $27-$28k for the FWD Elite model) is 'reasonable' in current market conditions and undercuts the Alphard by $3-4k a year in depreciation. It makes decent power and have sufficient range, and it's road tax is only $480 more than the new Alphard. It's interior build quality and trim is also 'value for money' in terms of its quality. An initial collaboration between BYD and Mercedes, this is apparent in the cabin such as the wood trimmings (same as in Mercedes products) and ambient lighting. It also offers better seat comfort in the 3rd row as compared to the Alphard/X9 and perhaps comparable to the 009. This is because the seats are inclined a few degrees towards the ceiling thus making it significantly more comfortable as compared to the Alphard which is flatter and has shallower seat bottoms. In terms of the drive, it also feels more 'continental' - same secured/rooted/engaged sensation as premium makes that I had driven before that hails from Germany/England. Cons: From the B-pillar onwards, one may be surprised to find that the D9 offers less in terms of cabin space than the Alphard despite its longer length/wheelbase. This is due to the 'thicker materials' used (like the captain seats) and a 410L fixed boot (Alphard has none). The ambient lighting also looks like it is underpowered (too dim even at its brightest settings) unlike its ex-sister brand Mercedes. Finally, there isn't any TV for rear passengers like the 009 and X9 which was a severe disappointment for my family (as we have 1 in our existing Alphard). As you would have guessed it by now, all things considered, the Denza D9 is in my opinion going to give the Alphard a real run for its money in its uninhibited attempt to wrestle the 'King of MPV' throne in Singapore. There is nothing wrong with the Alphard (past and present). From the B-pillar onwards, in my opinion, it beats the more luxurious contemporaries such as the Mercedes S-class or 7-series. It also leverages intensively on its branding as the most reliable car brand in the world (and rightfully so as my past 3 years of ownership had been uneventful compared to my previous experiences). On the flip side, it offers an emotionless and soul-less drive. It's interior build quality is at best average and the 3rd row seat comfort is mediocre. With the new Alphard at >$30k in annual depreciation, it really makes no financial sense at all to choose the new Alphard as its interior build/quality is still average and features almost non-existent. For MPVs, the 2nd row seats are the 'money seats' and therefore, it must be the most important point of reference for these luxury MPVs. For instance (past/new Alphard), in its most basic trim, there are no touch-screen control panels at its captain chairs, no ventilated or massage seats. And all these comes standard in the D9. Therefore, all things equal, it is bewildering why one would consider the new Alphard over the D9, when you paying more for less! Furthermore, in terms of operating cost and assuming an annual mileage of 20,000km for the average driver and based on a fuel consumption of 12km/l and RON 95 petrol at $2.20/l for the Alphard, it costs $3667 in petrol cost per year. For the D9, it has a consumption of 4.66km/kwh and based on $0.5 kwh charging costs, one would pay $2145 per year which translate to a saving of $1522. If one would to minus $480 (due to the higher annual road tax of the D9 compared to the Alphard), it would still translate to a saving of $1042 yearly. This saving would be even higher if petrol costs increases and if one has access to home charging (at $0.3 kwh compared to 3rd party service providers). Also, we haven't factored in the lower maintenance costs of EV (dealer for D9 offering 10-years battery warranty/maintenance) compared to ICE. All-in-all, it is certainly financially compelling to jump ship to the D9. Finally, what may be the other cons stopping Alphard owners? To me, it would be the branding and resale value down the road. And I also appreciate any other forumers inputs who have been there and done there (by transiting to EVs). At $300k a pop, the D9 ain't exactly loose change thus I am also worried if I had missed out any 'blind spots' in my analysis. Awaiting your valuable inputs and hope my sharing had offered other forumers who are in the same situation as me in making a better decision on their next purchase, thanks!

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