BYD’s massive boost revealed: 2026 Denza N9 and N8L plug-in hybrids exposed in China with monster batteries that leave current Denza B5 and B8 4WDs in the shade

BYD is supersizing its luxury Denza plug-in hybrids.

The Chinese brand isn’t resting on its laurels, and is already advancing some of its newest Denza branded models with some mega upgrades.

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The Range Rover rivalling models get a 40 per cent electric driving range boost thanks to a new circa-75kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery.

BYD claims it pushes driving range up to 315km in the N9 and 320km in the N8L.

That new battery is bigger than what is found in most EVs, and is about three to four times bigger than what is found in most plug-in hybrids.

The extra battery capacity pushes the two SUV's weight above three tonnes. That extra weight will mean the bigger battery will be more inefficient as it has to move around the extra bulk.

Other technical details have not been revealed, but it is likely to maintain the same set-up as the current version.

The N9 uses a​​ 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to three electric motors, which pump out a combined 680kW and allow it to hit 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. 

It takes aim at the European luxury establishment with top-notch items such as dual-chamber air suspension, rear-wheel steering, a refrigerated centre console box and a 17.3-inch screen which folds down from the roof to provide entertainment for the second and third row.

The N9 is more road-focused compared to the Denza B5 and B8 premium off-roaders which have recently gone on sale in Australia.

There is no word yet on whether the Denz N9 or N8L will come to Australia, but out of the two the N9 would be the most likely.

BYD is aggressively expanding its line-up in Australia, including via its Denza high-end sub brand, which opens the door to the N9 coming Down Under.