Author: Chen Jianli
Recently, BYD released the exterior design of its first Midsized MPV. However, the model did not adopt BYD’s family design and logo, instead it was included it in the Tang brand, and the new car will be named the Tang D9.
Although the front face of the Tang D9 gives people a sense of familiarity, the new style after leaving the Dragon Face design provides consumers with a different choice. In addition, as a Midsized MPV, the Tang D9’s length exceeds 5200mm, and the wheelbase exceeds 3100mm, which is larger than the common GL8 and Alphard, but slightly inferior to the Odyssey Dream Family.
It is reported that the price range of the Tang D9 is 450,000 yuan. From the price information, it can be seen that the new car directly skipped models such as the Buick GL8, Toyota Sienna, and Kia JAHA, and the most direct competing model may be the Odyssey Dream Family, which has overlapping price ranges.
As a Midsized to high-end MPV, the luxurious and comfortable interior experience is far more important than the exterior design. Although the exterior design has basically departed from BYD’s existing design framework, the interior design still returns to the BYD family camp. The suspended central control screen and the double-spoke steering wheel have a familiar taste, the integrated full LCD instrument panel and central control panel are perfectly integrated, and everything is created in a harmonious way.
Since similar central control designs have been used in BYD’s models ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 yuan, now that the higher-end Tang brand directly adopts it, it may cause consumer aesthetic fatigue, and even lack of highlights. Thus, there are higher requirements for the overall material selection of the interior. How to make consumers feel a sense of luxury from the moment they sit in the car is the issue that the Tang D9 needs to consider.
From the pictures, it can be seen that the front row of the Tang D9 is equipped with double-layer ambient lights, matte wood decorative panels, piano baking paint panels, large-area leather wrapping, crystal gear lever, and is equipped with a Danaher sound system. These configurations and materials appearing on the MPV model with a price as high as 450,000 yuan are not surprising.
Both the first and second rows of seats are equipped with aviation headrests with clamping function. The unique texture on the backrests is mainly to enhance the visual effect, and it doesn’t contribute much to the comfort of sitting.
There are as many as 4 screens in the second row. The two large screens on the backrests are used for entertainment, while the small screen at the front of the central armrest is used to operate air conditioning, seat functions, music switching, etc.
The two independent aviation seats on the left and right support multiple-angle electric adjustment, including leg support, as well as comfortable functions such as seat ventilation, heating, and massage. With the configuration level of the mid-to-high-end domestic models, there is no need to worry about it.
The storage space in the second row is relatively abundant. The middle aisle has cup holders, and the rear of the front armrest box is equipped with a double-layered sliding space, creating convenient storage. However, for the positioning of the DENZA D9, in addition to the household market, commercial travel is also a normal usage scenario. If it could be equipped with a 220V three-seat power plug or even a small table board, it would undoubtedly make its second row more practical.
Both the first and second-row windows of the DENZA D9 are equipped with double-layer soundproof glass, which plays an important role in improving the silence of the car. If the third row can also be equipped with double-layer glass, the sound insulation of the entire car will have a very balanced performance. After all, even the Odyssey has achieved all-car soundproof glass. There is no need for the DENZA D9 to save costs in this regard.
In May, the DENZA D9 will be officially launched, and it will be joined by the Voyah Dreamer, two independently branded high-end MPVs. This undoubtedly will make consumers hesitate between the two. The DENZA D9 and the Voyah Dreamer have their own advantages. The former has a more rich technological configuration in the second row, and it comes from the BYD technology, so the overall quality is more stable.
The size of the Dream is bigger, offering wider space for both passengers and storage compared to the Lucid. Moreover, the Dream is equipped with air suspension and magic carpets, while the DENZA D9 is equipped with mechanical suspension, which will compromise its comfort to some extent.
In terms of power, the DENZA D9 and the Voyah Dream offer similar types of power, with DM-i for range-extender and EV for electric models. However, BYD has an absolute advantage in the industry, whether it is hybrid or pure electric, especially with the DM-i model, which is well-received by consumers and has lower fuel consumption under the premise of battery loss, highlighting its power superiority.
Domestic brands have begun to focus on mid- to high-end MPVs, and seem to have targeted different-priced and leveled joint venture MPV models. In addition to the DENZA D9 and the Voyah Dream, there will be the Guangqi Chuanqi M8 and Weipai MPV this year, as domestic brands officially enter the market, leaving little room for joint venture MPVs.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.