BYD, China’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has launched its premium Denza brand’s most expensive model to date: the N9 SUV. The move signals BYD’s aggressive expansion into the luxury EV segment, directly challenging established players such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
The unveiling of the N9, which took place on March 21, 2025, underscores BYD’s commitment to building high-end EVs and broadening its customer base. The N9’s price ranges from 389,800 to 449,800 yuan (US$60,860 to US$70,290), and it features a plug-in hybrid and pure-battery version. Denza previously launched the D9 MPV in 2022, which starts at 339,800 yuan.
The N9 is equipped with BYD’s self-developed God’s Eye autonomous driving systems and is capable of supporting on-vehicle drone systems, both of which were first introduced in February. These advanced features highlight BYD’s focus on innovation as it seeks to gain a foothold in the luxury market, according to Wang Chuanfu, the company’s chairman and founder.
“We hope to prove to the world that China cannot only produce good cars, but also gain a foothold in the luxury market,” Wang stated. BYD’s success in the EV market is already substantial. Last year, the company dominated the segment, selling approximately 3.84 million plug-in hybrids and pure EVs, capturing around 20 percent of the global EV market.
The introduction of the N9 is also poised to intensify competition in China’s luxury EV market as the company moves to challenge brands like Li Auto, Zeekr, and the Huawei-backed Aito. Moreover, the market has already seen the arrival of disruptors like smartphone maker Xiaomi, which entered the segment with its SU7 Ultra, a four-door sedan that out-performed the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT at the Shanghai International Circuit.
