Denza Z9 GT, N7 SUV and BYD Bao 5 sampled in China – a glimpse of what could be coming to Malaysia

The upcoming launch of the Denza D9 will formally introduce BYD’s premium brand in Malaysia, and while the all-electric MPV is set to shoulder the push for the marque during the initial stage, other models will be needed to ensure that there is continued progression for the brand. So, what can we expect to be heading our way in the future?

The lack of right-hand drive models beyond the D9 at present means that it’s a guessing game as to what else is next on the horizon. Right now, the clearest model on the radar is one that isn’t actually badged as a Denza, but could very well be in markets where the brand is starting to push into.

As mentioned previously, there is the possibility that the BYD Bao 5 (or Leopard 5) – which last year was said to be under consideration for Malaysia – could make its way here under a Denza badge, with the idea being reinforced by developments elsewhere.

Earlier this year, the off-road SUV – which would go up against the likes of the GWM Tank 300 – was spied running trials in Australia, and it was suggested that it could be known as the Denza B5 for that market. Should that happen, it would only be logical that things follow suit for Asean markets.

Beyond that, the N7 SUV and Z9 GT fastback are very likely candidates to be next up to bat when right-hand drive comes about, and given how the presentations focused heavily on the duo – with the Bao 5 also handily present – during a brand familiarisation tour in Shenzhen late last year, the conversions look more to be case of when, not if.

Indeed, if the D9’s recent launch in Indonesia is anything to go by, Malaysians can expect to see the Z9 GT make its first appearance in Malaysia during the local D9 launch, with a left-hand drive example likely to appear as a surprise side show piece, as it was in Jakarta when the D9 was introduced.

Expectations are that the three-motor, 952 hp (965 PS, or 710 kW) EV version will be the one heading the bill when the time comes, but interestingly the highlight examples for both the static and dynamic presentations in Shenzhen were not of the EV but rather the plug-in hybrid. With a 2.0 litre turbo mill functioning as a generator and three motors offering a total output of 858 hp (870 PS, or 640 kW), the PHEV isn’t exactly a slouch where power is concerned.

As sampled, it was pretty clear there’s no shortage of straight-line zip off the line, but other aspects will need further inspection – the tight course, held in a car park, meant the Z9 GT had far less potency when asked to do gymnastics, its bulk clearly evident.

Given that it’s a big car, measuring in at 5.18 metres long and nearly two metres wide, there’s no masking that, but the suggestion is that if given enough canvas, it could be quite a neat thing to get about in, and provide those into such a body type a very interesting – and inherently cheaper – alternative.

The N7 SUV was also highlighted during the event presentations, suggesting that it is also on the cards in the RHD push in its all-electric form, where it is offered in 310 hp (310 PS, or 230 kW) and 360 Nm rear-wheel drive guise or in 520 hp (530 PS, or 390 kW) and 670 Nm AWD form.

Given the brief drive time, which was a couple of minutes, the SUV came across as a conventional affair in terms of driving dynamics. This, allied to its equally measure physical projection – from styling to interior – provides the crossover a somewhat traditional feel, something that more conventional buyers will undoubtedly find appealing.

As for the Bao 5, there was zero drive time in it, with the automaker choosing to instead give attendees a passenger’s perspective of its abilities during the event. This was accomplished via a quick run over a not very challenging makeshift obstacle course, which it duly aced, as it should. It does look quite the capable machine, so hopefully there’s a chance to eventually find out exactly how capable it is some day.

Away from the aforementioned trio, there are items of interest on the horizon that could pop up if RHD becomes a reality. One of these is an MPV that will be larger – and more powerful – than the D9, due sometime this year. The other is the N9 SUV, a “luxury plus” offering that BYD says has been bench-marked against the likes of the BMW X7, Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

The 5,258 mm-long offering, which sits on BYD’s e3 platform, will feature a three-motor (one front, two rear) independent drive set-up, offering nearly 1,000 hp in total output. However, for now, the Denza push – in these parts, at least – pretty much rides on the solitary RHD form that will be launched very shortly.

Denza Z9 GT in Shenzhen, China

Denza N7 in Shenzhen, China

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