BYD’s higher-end sub-brand, Denza, is readying for the launch of its upcoming large-size SUV, the Denza N9, by making its first public appearance at the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show.
The vehicle measures 5,258 mm in length, 2,030 mm in width, and 1,830 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,125 mm.
Source: Denza
The total motor power of the pure electric version can reach 710 kW, while the PHEV version is 640 kW.
Just like the newly released Denza Z9 and Z9 GT, the N9 is equipped with BYD’s proprietary e3 (“yi san fang”) platform, which enables independent steering of the rear wheel dual motors, and will come with air suspension.
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The N9 is BYD’s response against some of the best-selling new energy SUV in this segment, such as the AITO M9 and Li Auto L9. The N9 is also squarely positioned against the BMW X7.
Source: HIMA
The AITO M9 has completely dominated large size SUV sales, exceeding 170,000 orders on November 11, just over 10 months since launch.
While the AITO M9 and Li Auto L9 offer ample interior space with generous dimensions of 5,285 / 1,999 / 1,800 mm and 5,218 / 1,998 / 1,800 mm in L/W/H, the Denza N9 really pushed the envelope, bringing the length of the car to nearly 5.3 meters and the wheelbase to 3,125 mm.
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For further context, NIO’s largest SUV, the NIO ES8, measures 5,022 mm in length, 1,962 mm in width, 1,756 mm in height with a wheelbase of 3,010 mm.
The Denza N9 challenges Huawei’s dominance in the high-end large SUV category, as the AITO M9 has been an exceptional success, selling between 15,000 to 17,000 units monthly in China. The M9 is priced between 469,800 to 569,800 CNY.
Source: Li Auto
The Li Auto L9 follows with a consistent 6,000 to 7,000 units sold monthly and is priced between 409,800 to 439,800 CNY.
In China, before the arrival of AITO and Li Auto in this segment, a gas engine large size premium SUV would cost over 1 million CNY (c. 140,000 USD).
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For example, the BMW X7, which measures 5,170 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width, and 1,835 mm in height with a 3,105 mm wheelbase, costs between 1,039,000 to 1,729,000 CNY.
Given the price, the BMW X7 sells 500 - 1,000 units monthly.
Source: Denza
With all that into consideration, the Denza N9 plans to offer more in size and undercut its competition by pricing N9 below 500,000 CNY, half the cost of a BMW X7 and within the ballpark of the AITO M9 and Li Auto L9.
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BYD’s brand positioning for its premium sub-brand is clear; Denza offers the ultimate affordable luxury.