DENZA has confirmed its entry into the Philippine market and brings a new luxury electric vehicle brand under the BYD Group into a segment long dominated by Japanese and European manufacturers.
The announcement followed a ceremonial dealer awarding in Makati and set the timetable for the brand’s official local launch in the first quarter of 2026.
The brand will operate locally under DENZA Philippines, which will serve as the sole distributor in the country.
According to the company, initial dealerships include Makati under Harmony New Energy Auto Service Philippines, Greenhills under E-Vantage Motors, and Alabang and Cebu under ACMobility Premium Dealership.
DENZA will begin Philippine operations with three confirmed models. The lineup includes the D9 multi-purpose vehicle, the B5 midsize sport utility vehicle, and the B8 full-size three-row SUV.
The company said the D9, B5, and B8 are part of its initial Philippine lineup, with launch timing to be announced. Final pricing and specifications have not yet been released.
The D9 enters the local market as a luxury people mover aimed at the premium MPV segment. Units displayed locally use BYD’s DM-i plug-in hybrid system, which pairs a turbocharged gasoline engine with electric motors.
In overseas markets, the model comes in Front Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive versions, with combined outputs that range from under 300 horsepower to more than 400 horsepower, depending on configuration.
The B5 and B8 SUVs focus on output and off-road capability. The B5 uses a ladder frame chassis and a plug-in hybrid powertrain similar to the system used by the BYD Shark pickup.
In other markets, the setup produces more than 600 horsepower and includes locking differentials, multiple drive modes, and optional active suspension.
The B8 extends the same platform into a seven-seat format with a longer wheelbase and higher output.
BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division general manager Liu Xueliang said the decision to introduce DENZA locally follows strong regional performance by the group.
He said buyer preferences across Asia Pacific markets show growing demand for premium electrified vehicles and greater acceptance of new energy technologies.
BYD and DENZA Philippines country head Adam Hu said the company will grow the brand gradually, starting with a limited dealer footprint before expanding further.
He said the strategy focuses on long-term development rather than immediate sales volume, with future model introductions tied to local market readiness.
DENZA said pre-orders are now open at its initial dealerships, with full launch details to be announced ahead of its first quarter 2026 introduction.