A camouflaged prototype of BYD’s premium Denza D9 electric people mover has been photographed undergoing testing on Australian roads, fueling speculation about its imminent launch in the local market. The sighting in Melbourne, captured by Reddit user cheek8475 and shared by automotive enthusiast David C, marks a significant step in BYD’s expansion plans for Australia.
Luxury Electric Vehicle for Australian Market
BYD’s luxury sub-brand, Denza, previously secured Australian regulatory approval for a luxurious people mover in December. This latest sighting strongly suggests that the Denza D9 is the model slated for release in Australia.
The prototype was seen transported on a truck, its camouflage wrap obscuring many of the vehicle’s distinctive design cues and badges. However, key design elements remain identifiable, closely matching the specifications of the Denza D9 sold internationally.
Key Design Identifiers
Despite the camouflage, several features confirm the vehicle’s identity as the Denza D9. These include the distinctive rear lip spoiler on the tailgate and the design of the sliding and front door handles. The tires observed on the test vehicle were Giti-branded, a marque frequently used by BYD, including on performance models like the Yangwang U9 Xtreme.
The Denza D9 is a substantial vehicle, measuring 5.25 metres in length. This makes it BYD’s longest offering for the Australian market, surpassing even the Denza B8 SUV. Its considerable size suggests it will also be the brand’s most spacious vehicle available locally.
Powertrain and Variants Approved for Australia
Regulatory documentation from December revealed that two variants of the Denza D9 were approved for sale in Australia: a front-wheel-drive (FWD) model with a single motor and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model featuring dual motors.
The single-motor FWD variant is reported to produce 230 kW of power. The more powerful dual-motor AWD version offers an increased output of 275 kW.
Weight and Wheel Specifications
Approved documentation also indicates that both variants will have a curb weight ranging between 2,764 kg and 2,865 kg. This weight is consistent with other large electric SUVs and people movers currently available in the market.
Furthermore, the approval papers specify that both models will be equipped with 18-inch wheels. The specific design of these wheels for the Australian market has not yet been revealed.
Denza’s Growing Presence in Australia
The Denza D9 has achieved considerable popularity in its home market of China, offered in both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) configurations. The current battery-electric version utilizes a 103 kWh battery pack, providing an estimated WLTP range of approximately 480 km.
Denza currently offers two models in Australia: the B5 and B8 SUVs. These models are positioned as rugged PHEV off-roaders and are available for purchase through Denza’s Australian website. The B5, a five-seater, is priced from $74,990, while the seven-seater B8 starts at $91,000 (excluding on-road costs).
Upcoming Models and Future Outlook
Denza Australia’s website also lists two additional models under a “Coming Soon” banner. One of these appears to resemble the Denza D9, although official confirmation is pending. The other is described as a shooting brake or wagon-style vehicle.
Detailed specifications and pricing for the Denza D9 are expected to be formally announced closer to its official launch, which is anticipated in the first half of 2026. The arrival of the Denza D9 could significantly influence buyer preferences in the luxury electric people mover segment in Australia.
Article by Riz Akhtar, founder of carloop, specializing in Australian EV data and trends.