Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
In 1886, Karl Benz developed a gasoline-powered vehicle and gave birth to the horseless carriage, which was later labeled as the automobile because of its self-propelled (auto) mobility. It was initially considered as a “toy” for wealthy people until 1903 when Ransom E. Olds pioneered the assembly line to produce thousands of Oldsmobile models. In 1908, Henry Ford further revolutionized automobile production with the moving assembly line that made the Ford Model T easier to manufacture and more affordable, which started the mobilization of the masses. The rest, as they say, is history.
The dawn of mobilization: (Top) 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, Typical horseless carriage during the 1900’s. (Bottom) 1903 R.E. Olds Curved Dash Runabout, 1908 Ford Model T production line.
With the mass production of automobiles, the wealthy elite eventually demanded distinct and luxurious cars that differentiated them from the masses and the car makers responded by creating premium brands. America had Duesenberg, Pierce-Arrow, Cadillac and Lincoln; Britain had Bentley, Daimler, Jaguar, and Rolls-Royce; while Germany had BMW, Maybach and Mercedes-Benz. In the Eighties, Japan joined the fray with Honda’s Acura, Nissan’s Infiniti and Toyota’s Lexus while Korea later threw their hat into the ring with Hyundai’s Genesis. With the emergence of new energy vehicles (NEVs), it was inevitable that Chinese car makers will come up with their own premium brands.
These established premium car brands are now being challenged by premium NEV brands from China. Two American luxury brands – Duesenberg and Pierce-Arrow – were relegated to history while Jaguar may become obsolete like Daimler. Meanwhile Acura, Infiniti and Genesis are struggling in today’s highly-competitive and evolved luxury car market.
The DENZA Difference
After turning Build Your Dreams or BYD into a respected and global car brand, BYD Group of China, one of the world’s leading companies in electrified mobility and automotive innovation, entered into a 50:50 joint venture with Daimler/Mercedes-Benz of Germany to combine BYD’s battery technology with Mercedes-Benz’s luxury engineering. The venture was officially established as Shenzhen Denza New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd. in 2010, and after more than a decade of partnership, was majority-owned by BYD Auto Industry Co., Ltd. in 2021.
Daimler (Mercedes-Benz) of Germany and BYD Group of China partnered in 2010 to establish Shenzhen Denza New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd., 90% of which is now owned by BYD Auto Industry Co., Ltd.
Specializing in high-end, intelligent, and safe premium NEVs, DENZA is derived from the Chinese name Tengshi, which translates to “rising power and momentum” to symbolize its strength and speed in the NEV sector. It represents a more refined and elevated approach to new energy driving, where advanced engineering, intelligent systems, and sophisticated design combine to create a seamless, sustainable, and modern driving experience. More than just vehicles, DENZA represents a new expression of premium mobility – one that is quiet, intuitive, and designed for how people move today.
DENZA is “Tengshi” in Chinese, which translates to “rising power and momentum” to symbolize its strength and speed in the NEV sector.
Debuting DENZA in the Philippines
Guided by the brand philosophy “Technology Drives Elegance”, DENZA entered the Philippine automotive market with intelligent technology, electrified performance, and refined craftsmanship to deliver a form of mobility that feels effortless, comfortable, and forward-looking. With a clear, long-term vision of introducing a carefully curated lineup of premium NEVs that meet the evolving expectations of discerning Filipino customers, DENZA Philippines aims to connect with a new generation of consumers who value thoughtful innovation, elevated design and a more intelligent and sustainable mobility partner.
DENZA Philippines held a ceremonial awarding of its first four dealerships at DENZA Makati on January 22, 2026.
On January 22, 2026, DENZA Philippines commenced the premium brand’s debut with a ceremonial awarding of its initial network of premium dealerships. The awarding ceremony was held at Harmony New Energy Auto Service (Philippines) Ltd. Corporation’s DENZA Makati showroom at 2261 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City, while DENZA Greenhills, located on the corner of LaSalle and Connecticut streets in San Juan City, will be handled by E-Vantage Motors Inc. Meanwhile, Ayala Corporation’s ACMobility Premium Dealership Inc. will be in charge of DENZA Alabang at the corner of Alabang-Zapote Road and Investment Drive in Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City and DENZA Cebu on A. Soriano Avenue at the North Reclamation Area of Cebu City.
Inaugurated on February 26, 2026, Harmony New Energy Auto Service (Philippines) Ltd. Corporation operates DENZA Makati.
DENZA Greenhills will be operated by E-Vantage Motors Inc.
ACMobility Premium Dealership Inc. will run two DENZA dealerships – one in Alabang and one in Cebu.
February 27, 2026 marked the inauguration of DENZA Alabang.
From left to right: Gillian Li, BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division Operations Center Director; Adam Hu, BYD Philippines Country Head; Liu Xueliang, BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division General Manager; Hon. Ruffy Biazon, Muntinlupa City Mayor; Dana Uson, President and CEO of ACMobility Premium Dealership; and Jun Cajayon, ACMobility Premium Dealership General Manager toast to the opening of DENZA Alabang.
Driving the DENZA D9 DM-i
During the dealer awarding ceremony, DENZA Philippines gave a sneak peek of three of their premium vehicles – the D9 DM-i three-row 7-seat executive multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the B7 three-row 7-seat full-size premium sport utility vehicle (SUV) and the B5 5-seat midsize luxury SUV. Two weeks later, on the 12th of February, select members of the media were invited to experience the DENZA DM-i executive MPV along a specially-designed course in and around the exclusive Country Club of the Alviera Estate premium properties in Porac, Pampanga.
During the Ceremonial Awarding event at DENZA Makati, DENZA Philippines gave a sneak peek of the D9 executive MPV, B5 midsize luxury SUV and B8 full-size premium SUV.
Around two weeks later, we found ourselves test driving a fleet of DENZA D9 DM-i premium MPVs in and around the Alviera Country Club in Porac, Pampanga.
The DENZA D9 DM-i Driving Experience allowed the media participants to feel firsthand the premium MPV’s electrified performance, intelligent cockpit systems, and passenger-focused executive comfort, along with its refined craftsmanship and contemporary design. Powered by a sophisticated Super DM-i system that pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine with high-performance dual electric motors, the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) D9 DM-i makes 400 horsepower and 681 Newton-meters of torque to deliver smooth, confident and powerful acceleration up to a top speed of 180 km/h.
The front facia of the D9 features the brand’s new design language “Pi-Motion potential energy aesthetics”.
The DENZA D9 gets the Super DM-i system with dual electric motors, 40 kWh BYD Blade Battery, turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine, and AWD. How does 400hp and 681Nm of torque grab you?
Reliable and Renowned Power Source
More that luxurious comfort and outstanding performance, the DENZA D9 offers an impressive comprehensive range of up to 980 kilometers with a full tank and a fully-charged battery, which offers flexibility for both daily city drives and long-distance journeys. Powering its electric drive is BYD’s renowned Blade Battery with a 40kWh capacity. Built on BYD’s advanced e-Platform 3.0 architecture, the D9 achieves a refined balance of efficiency, safety, adaptability, and ride comfort that ensures a composed and confident drive in varying conditions.
The BYD e-Platform 3.0 architecture utilizes the battery as an energy source and as a part of the D9’s vehicle structure to improve torsional stiffness. (Photo from BYD Auto)
The DENZA D9 comes with an 8-year or 160,000-kilometer (whichever comes first) battery warranty that provides added peace of mind for customers who are just embracing NEV mobility. Not only does the performance of the Blade Battery minimize or eliminate range anxiety, its extended warranty further reinforces DENZA’s commitment to reliability and long-term ownership confidence. Combining the BYD Blade battery with the Super DM-i dual motor, turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive system turns the DENZA D9 into a technical tour de force.
The DENZA D9 DM-i is equipped with BYD’s renowned Blade Battery that comes with an 8-year/160,000-km warranty. (Photo from BYD Auto)
Power, Luxury and Handling Like No Other
The organizers of the DENZA D9 DM-i Driving Experience laid out a course in and around the Alviera Country Club where we can fully exploit the DENZA D9’s DiSus C smart suspension system. Dubbed as a Smart Comfort Suspension for Premium Ride Experience, it features BYD’s adaptive damping system that continuously adjusts shock absorber stiffness in milliseconds based on road and driving conditions. It was designed to deliver a smoother ride for enhanced passenger comfort and improved handling for better stability, along with high-quality NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) insulation for a truly premium travelling experience.
Denza D9 DM-i Driving Experience chief marshal, organizer and race car driver Georges Ramirez points out the places in the test route where the participants will experience the handling, stability and acceleration of the DENZA D9.
Under the guidance of Jaime Ramirez, we experienced the exhilarating acceleration of the D9 on a designated straight road. (Factory claims 0-100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds.)
Driving the DENZA D9 DM-i around zigzags demonstrated its outstanding stability with negligible body roll that is uncommon among large MPVs. Around fast corners, it drives like a sports sedan while on straight but uneven roads, it accelerates like a muscle car and runs over undulations like a high-end luxury limousine, keeping its occupants comfortable and insulated from the humdrum of the world outside. Best of all, there’s ample luggage space to accommodate up to seven 20-inch suitcases – one for each of the seven occupants. This DENZA executive MPV truly leaves no one, and nothing, behind!
The D9’s DiSus C smart suspension system was so impressive that we had to include this photo to explain it further and the short video below to demonstrate the minimal body roll.
Ideal and Luxurious Travelling Companion
With a luxurious three-row, seven-seat cabin designed around comfort and craftsmanship, the DENZA D9 is designed to pamper and spoil its occupants. All three rows are upholstered in supple Nappa leather, reflecting its clean and contemporary design approach. At the center of the dash sits a 15.6-inch central infotainment display that is complemented by dual 12.8-inch rear entertainment screens and a 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system that’s designed to create an immersive experience for every passenger.
The DENZA D9 pampers all its occupants with supple Nappa leather seats. A large 15.6 inch central infotainment touchscreen sits at the center of the dash.
The Nappa leather interior is complemented with select real wood trim, which ensures that each D9 features a unique, one-of-a-kind interior.
Second-row passengers get the first-class treatment courtesy of Zero-Gravity seats with 10-way power adjustment, 6-way adjustable headrests, extendable leg rests, and heating, ventilation, & massage functions.
The second row executive seats feature integrated armrest control screens. Foldable table/trays are mounted behind the front seatbacks.
Second-row occupants are treated to zero-gravity executive seats with 10-way power adjustment, six-way adjustable headrests, extendable leg rests, and heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Integrated armrest control screens allow seamless customization, ensuring comfort is always within reach. The lounge-like cabin is further enhanced with a built-in smart refrigerator, wireless charging, power sliding doors, and multi-color ambient lighting that are designed to make every journey feel considered and indulgent. Needless to say, all the participants of the DENZA D9 DM-i Driving Experience left highly impressed.
The mini refrigerator can operate independently even when the engine is off and the D9 is locked to maintain temperatures as cold as -10 degrees Centigrade.
The third-row seat can accomodate three adults in luxurious Nappa leather comfort with ample head-, shoulder-, hip- and legroom.
Behind the third row, there’s a 410-liter (14.5-cubic feet) luggage compartment…
… that can accomodate seven 20-inch suitcases of all seven occupants. (Photo courtesy of DENZA)
The third row’s 60/40 seatbacks can be folded to further increase the space to carry larger or bulkier items.
We left the DENZA D9 DM-i Driving Experience truly impressed.
Impressive and Unforgettable Launch
Finally, on February 27, 2026, DENZA Philippines officially launched the all-new DENZA D9 DM-i flagship executive MPV with an impressive showcase at the Ballroom of the Shangri-La BGC. The backdrop of the entire stage was a large gigantic LED screen. A special musical performance from the Manila Symphony Orchestra, featuring Grammy-nominee conductor and composer maestro Darrell Ang, accompanied the large-format video presentation that reflected DENZA’s brand philosophy “Technology Drives Elegance”.
Grammy-nominated conductor Darrell Ang (center) and the members of the Manila Symphony Orchestra pose with the DENZA D9 executive MPV. Note the large format LED screen behind them. (Photo by Joseph Ang)
“Today marks an important milestone for DENZA in the Philippines,” said Adam Hu, Country Head of BYD and DENZA Philippines. “DENZA is a brand for individuals who seek a premium mobility experience, where innovation enhances comfort, every detail is carefully considered, and every journey feels refined and effortless. The D9 is just the beginning of our commitment to delivering this, and we look forward to expanding our presence in the months ahead.” It was understood that Hu was referring to the soon-to-debut DENZA B5 and DENZA B8 premium SUVs that were also previewed during the launch.
A chauffuer-driven Starry Night Gray DENZA D9 DM-i drove Adam Hu, the Country Head of BYD and DENZA Philippines, to the stage.
Country Head Adam Hu enthusiastically views the launch as an important milestone for DENZA in the Philippines.
New Interpretation of Modern Mobility
The General Manager of the BYD Asia-Pacific Sales Division, Liu Xueliang, went on stage aboard a DENZA Z9 GT that did an impressive crab-like turn on stage. Xueliang spoke lengthily about the brand’s history, achievements and long-term vision. “DENZA was created to offer a new interpretation of modern mobility, where advanced electrification and elegant design come together to create meaningful experiences,” he proudly stated. “The D9 represents that vision, and we are excited for Filipino customers to experience what the brand stands for.”
A chauffeured DENZA Z9 GT brought Liu Xueliang, the General Manager of the BYD Asia-Pacific Sales Division, on stage to deliver his speech.
GM Liu Xueliang delivered an impassioned presentation in Mandarin about DENZA’s brand philosophy, its history, its premium products, and its direction for the future.
Available in four premium finished – Whale Sea Blue, Cosmos Black, Arctic White and Starry Night Grey – the 2026 DENZA D9 DM-i executive MPV is priced at PhP4,298,000. It comes with FREE AC Wall Charger and Portable Charger, FREE 3-year periodic maintenance service (PMS), Contact Center Support, 24/7 roadside assistance, and the aforementioned 8-year/150,000-km battery warranty along with a membership in DENZA Club Community.
There were four actual D9 executive MPVs in the ballroom in those colors but the huge screen presentation of the color variants was designed to further impress the audience.
Adam Hu announced the official price of the DENZA D9 DM-i at P4,298,000…
… inclusive of these premium privileges.
And then, to top it all, it was announced that the first 300 customers who will reserve their D9 executive MPVs after the launch date will be treated to an introductory price of PhP3,998,000! Indeed, DENZA goes beyond offering premium NEVs as it seeks to redefine modern mobility by integrating future forward vehicles and elevated customer experience to achieve its goal as the “Global NEV #1”. Aside from bringing a new, exciting and high-tech option for Filipinos who are considering new energy mobility with premium driving experience, the debut of DENZA was a master class in launching a premium car brand in the Philippines.
Everyone was surprised with the exclusive premiere price of P3,998,000 for the first 300 customers!
From left to right: BYD and Denza Philippines Country Head Adam Hu; BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division General Manager Liu Xueliang; BYD Brunei, Philippines & Singapore Managing Director James Ng; BYD APAS Intelligent Product Department Manager Xiao Jinfu.
DENZA Philippines executives and the dealer principals of the intial DENZA network all give a thumbs-up during the D9’s debut.
Prospective clients seeking premium new energy mobility can visit the DENZA website at https://www.denza.com/ph for more information and updates.
