The 2025 Denza N9, launched in China on March 21, 2025, is BYD’s premium sub-brand’s flagship SUV, boasting a wild 925 hp, a drone launchpad, and a plush six-seat cabin for just ~$53,800–$62,000 USD (~€50,034–€57,660 EUR). It’s a Range Rover rival that’s turning heads in Shenzhen and beyond, with jaw-dropping tech like crab walk, God’s Eye B ADAS, and a 1,302 km range. But before you start dreaming of cruising Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road or Sydney’s highways in this tech-laden beast, there are some red flags. From our Shenzhen test drive and chatter on X, here are the top 5 reasons to avoid the 2025 Denza N9—and why you might want to think twice before signing the dotted line.

Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the 2025 Denza N9

1. Limited Global Availability and Brand Recognition

Denza, BYD’s luxury arm, is a big deal in China but barely a blip globally. While confirmed for Australia (Q4 2025), Europe (April 2026), and markets like UAE and Hong Kong, its rollout is slow, and spare parts or service networks may be sparse outside China. Unlike BMW or Lexus, Denza lacks the brand cachet to impress Dubai execs or London elites. A Reddit user noted Denza needs to “get their name into the minds of the general populace” to compete with established players like Aito M9 or Li Auto L9.

Why It’s a Dealbreaker: If you’re in Sydney or Berlin, limited dealerships and brand familiarity could leave you stranded or undervalued at resale.

2. Heavy Weight Impacts Handling

At ~2.5 tons, the N9 is a hefty beast, and that weight shows in corners. Despite the DiSus-A air suspension and Yisanfang e³ tech (crab walk, tank turn), our Shenzhen track test revealed noticeable body roll in tight turns, making it less agile than a BMW X7 or Range Rover. It’s plush for highway cruising, but Melbourne gearheads or Tokyo commuters wanting sporty handling might find it floaty. The 5.3m length also feels unwieldy in tight urban spaces, even with a 4.62m turning radius.

Why It’s a Dealbreaker: If you crave dynamic driving, the N9’s weight could dampen the fun.

3. Touchscreen-Heavy Interface Frustrates

The N9’s cabin is a tech paradise with a 17.3-inch 2.5K central touchscreen, dual 13.2-inch displays, and a 17.1-inch ceiling screen, but most controls—like air-con and seat adjustments—are buried in menus. This can be a hassle for London drivers juggling busy roads or Sydney parents managing kids. X posts about other Denza models, like the D9, suggest the touchscreen-heavy setup isn’t as intuitive as physical buttons.

Why It’s a Dealbreaker: Fiddly controls distract from the luxury experience, especially in hectic urban settings.

4. Potentially High Maintenance Costs

The N9’s cutting-edge tech—God’s Eye B ADAS with LiDAR, Spirit Kite drone system, and tri-motor AWD—is impressive but complex. Repairs for the 128-line LiDAR, 14 cameras, or air suspension could be pricey, especially in markets like Australia or UAE where Denza’s service network is nascent. X chatter about Denza’s after-sales varies, with some praising it and others reporting inconsistent experiences. Compared to a Toyota LandCruiser’s bulletproof reliability, the N9’s sophisticated systems are a gamble.

Why It’s a Dealbreaker: High repair costs could offset the low purchase price for cost-conscious buyers.

5. Charging Infrastructure Dependency for EV Version

The N9’s pure EV version (710 kW/952 hp) promises ~400 km range, but its performance relies on robust charging networks. Outside China, where fast chargers are less widespread, markets like rural Australia or parts of the UAE may pose challenges. The PHEV version (202 km electric, 1,302 km combined) mitigates this with a 2.0L turbo engine, but EV buyers need reliable 100 kW DC chargers (30–80% in 19 minutes). X posts about the Denza D9 note the PHEV’s popularity over the EV due to charging concerns.

Why It’s a Dealbreaker: If you’re in a region with spotty charging, the EV N9 might leave you high and dry.

The Flip Side: Why the N9 Still Tempts

Despite these drawbacks, the N9’s value is hard to ignore. For ~$98,000–$120,000 AUD, you get 925 hp, a luxe interior with 46 storage spots, and tech like drone filming and crab walk—features that shame pricier rivals like the $120,000 Range Rover PHEV. Its 2,000 MPa steel cage, nine airbags, and 85.7 km/h elk test score ensure safety, while the 1,302 km range suits long hauls. If you’re a tech-loving Dubai exec or a Sydney family okay with a learning curve, the N9’s pros might outweigh the cons.

Comparison Table

The N9 offers better value and power but lags in brand recognition and handling finesse.

Buyer’s Guide: Who Should Pass?

• Brand Loyalists: If you prefer Lexus or BMW’s badge prestige, the N9’s obscurity might not cut it.
• Dynamic Drivers: Melbourne enthusiasts wanting sporty handling should look at the BMW X7.
• Tech-Averse Buyers: London commuters needing simple controls might find the touchscreen overload frustrating.
• Rural EV Buyers: Without fast chargers, the EV N9 suits urbanites better. Check BYD dealers, zigwheels.my, or carexpert.com.au for updates on availability in Q4 2025.

About the Author

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Sources

• YouTube: “2025 Denza N9 Review: China’s HYPER Luxury SUV that somehow costs $50,000… (MIND-BLOWN!)” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS1ht2B5fqM
• CarNewsChina: https://carnewschina.com
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• Cars2WD: https://cars2wd.com
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• ZigWheels: https://www.zigwheels.ae
• YallaMotor: https://www.yallamotor.com
• DailyRevs: https://www.dailyrevs.com
• ArenaEV: https://www.arenaev.com
• AutoBuzz: https://autobuzz.my
• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org
• CarExpert: https://www.carexpert.com.au