Verdict
At RM299,000, the Denza D9 costs RM77,272 more than the RM221,728 Ford S-MAX, but it is a markedly larger seven-seater: 5,250 mm long on a 3,110 mm wheelbase, with a 410-litre boot. Its 103.36-kWh battery delivers a quoted 520 km range and accepts 166 kW DC charging, while the S-MAX returns 7.9 L/100 km from its 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. The Ford is quicker to 100 km/h by 1.1 seconds, but the Denza brings sliding rear doors, captain seats and broader driver-assistance hardware.
The D9 Premium AWD (RM355,000) sits above every S-MAX variant here, so the verdict compares the closest-priced pairing — use the selectors above to match any two trims.
Pick the Denza D9 if you want EV driving, a quoted 520 km range, 410 litres of boot space and properly equipped second-row captain seats.
Pick the Ford S-MAX if you want to spend RM77,272 less and place greater weight on its 8.4-second 0-100 km/h time, adaptive LED headlamps and front-seat massage function.
Key differences
- Price: Denza D9 RM299,000; Ford S-MAX RM221,728.
- Powertrain: Denza D9 has a 308 hp, 360 Nm electric motor and 103.36-kWh battery; Ford S-MAX has a 237 hp, 345 Nm 1,999 cc turbo petrol engine.
- Range/economy: Denza D9 quotes 520 km EV range; Ford S-MAX is rated at 7.9 L/100 km.
- Performance: Denza D9 takes 9.5 seconds from 0-100 km/h; Ford S-MAX takes 8.4 seconds.
- Size/boot: Denza D9 is 5,250 mm long with 410 litres; Ford S-MAX is 4,796 mm long with 285 litres.
- Warranty: Denza D9 gets six years/150,000 km plus an eight-year/150,000 km battery warranty; Ford S-MAX gets three years/100,000 km.
D9
- 520 km quoted EV range with 166 kW DC charging
- 410-litre boot and 3,110 mm wheelbase
- Blind-spot monitoring, autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control
- RM77,272 dearer
- Slower 0-100 km/h time: 9.5 seconds versus 8.4 seconds
- No adaptive LED headlamps or front-seat massage function
S-MAX
- RM77,272 lower purchase price
- 8.4-second 0-100 km/h time
- Adaptive LED headlamps and massaging front seats
- 285-litre boot is 125 litres smaller
- No blind-spot monitoring or autonomous braking
- Three-year/100,000 km warranty is shorter
What the D9 has over the S-MAX
What the S-MAX has over the D9
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The D9's wheelbase is 261 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. Boot space favours the D9: 410 litres against 285.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM299,000 | RM221,728✓ |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM335✓ | RM440 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM3,050/mo | RM2,265/mo✓ |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM8,022 | RM6,078✓ |
| Fuel or electricity / year (est.) | RM1,766✓ | RM3,144 |
| Energy cost / 100 km (est.) | RM8.83✓ | RM15.72 |
| 5-year running costs (est.) | RM50,615 | RM48,309✓ |
| Charging (estimated) | ||
| AC charge 0–100% (est.) | 9.4 hours | — |
| DC charge 10–80% (est.) | 45 min | — |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve, DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 237 hp at 5,300 rpm |
| Torque | — | 345 Nm at 2,300 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 87.5 mm × 83.1 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 9.3 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 308 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 360 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 103.36 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 520 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 166 kW | — |
| V2L | 6 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | Selectshift |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Ford/GM |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.5 seconds | 8.4 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | — | 7.9 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | — | 224 km/h |
| Co2 | — | 180 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,250 mm | 4,796 mm |
| Width | 1,950 mm | 1,916 mm |
| Height | 1,920 mm | 1,655 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,110 mm | 2,849 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,748 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 70 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 410 litres✓ | 285 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/55R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/55R17 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Michelin Primacy 3 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Spain (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Multi-spoke Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Multi-spoke Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Frequency Selective variable dampers | — |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 8 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on Middle and Outer Third Row Seats | Available On Three Middle Row Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | Adaptive LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Ventilation | Power Adjustable Seats with Memory for Driver, Heated, Ventilated, with Massage Function |
| Rear Seats | Second-row Captain Seats with Ventilation, Massaging and Ottoman Support, 60:40 Split-folding Third Row | 40:20:40 Split-Folding and Sliding Middle Row, 50:50 Split-Folding Last Row, Electric Folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear Vents with Blower Control |
| Sunroof | Front Single-pane Sunroof, Panoramic Rear Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 1 Wireless Charger Front, 2 Wireless Chargers Rear, 4 USB-C Rear | 2 Front, 1 Middle Row, 1 Boot |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights, Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 4 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Last Row |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shades | — |
| Audio | 15.6" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 14-speaker Dynaudio Sound System | 8" Ford SYNC 2 with 9-speaker Sony Premium Audio |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Power Door | Rear Sliding Doors | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Heated and Cooled Compartment, Second Row Tray Tables | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 6 years✓ | 3 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/150,000 km Battery Warranty | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Electricity at RM0.44/kWh (TNB domestic, home charging); public DC charging costs around RM1.30/kWh. Charging times estimated from battery capacity and peak charging rates. Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked October 2026.
Used D9 & S-MAX for sale
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D9 vs S-MAX FAQ
Is the Denza D9 or Ford S-MAX better?
The Denza D9 is the better-equipped and larger family MPV, with a 520 km quoted EV range, 410-litre boot, sliding rear doors and autonomous braking. The Ford S-MAX is the better choice if its RM77,272 saving and quicker 8.4-second sprint matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Denza D9 costs RM299,000 and the Ford S-MAX costs RM221,728, so the D9 carries a RM77,272 premium.
Which MPV has more luggage space?
The Denza D9 has 410 litres of boot space, against 285 litres in the Ford S-MAX. That is a 125-litre advantage for the D9.
How long does charging take?
The D9's 103.4 kWh battery takes about 9.4 hours for a full AC charge, and an estimated 45 minutes from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger at its 166 kW peak.
Which has the better warranty?
The D9 carries a 6-year manufacturer warranty against 3 years for the S-MAX. D9: 8-year/150,000 km Battery Warranty.