BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer that has rapidly become the world’s largest plug-in vehicle maker in under 20 years, has introduced a new luxury car brand named YangWang. The brand is targeting premium automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi. To showcase their capabilities, YangWang has launched two new luxury electric vehicles, including the U8, a rugged off-road SUV, and the U9, a supercar. The U8 4×4 SUV is built on a ladder frame chassis and features four electric motors, one for each wheel, delivering an estimated total power output of over 1,100 horsepower and 1,200 pound-feet of torque.
Although the Chinese automaker did not disclose any specifics regarding the battery or driving range, it did reveal that the U8 incorporates cutting-edge torque vectoring technology and can go from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3 seconds. Furthermore, due to its four-motor configuration, the vehicle can perform tank turns similar to the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz EQG, has a crab mode like the Hummer EV, and also features a “floating water mode,” allowing it to easily traverse through water thanks to its watertight and enclosed body.
Another notable feature of the SUV is its ability to continue driving at speeds of up to 75 mph (120 km/h) even with a flat tire. However, the company did not provide any additional information, leaving us to assume that the U8 may be equipped with some type of run-flat tires.
At this time, there are no available images of the interior of the YangWang U8, nor any information regarding its autonomous driving capabilities. However, some of the vehicle’s measurements have been made public. It is reported that the electric SUV is 208.7 inches (5,300 millimeters) long with a wheelbase of 120.1 inches (3,050 mm), making it approximately 508 mm longer than the G-Class, depending on the trim level.
The YangWang U8 is expected to have a starting price of around one million Yuan (approximately $145,000). With this price point, the luxury SUV is set to compete with top-tier SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQG and the upcoming electric Land Rover Defender. In comparison, a gasoline-powered Mercedes G-Class has a starting price of almost two million Yuan (approximately $275,000) in China, which is double the rumored cost of the U8. It appears that the YangWang U8 may have a significant chance of disrupting the market for luxury SUVs.
Moving on to the all-electric YangWang U9 supercar, it boasts a completely distinct design compared to its brand stablemate. With its C-shaped front LED lights, low-slung silhouette, and a center fin on its back, the U9 is an impressive sight.
Like the U8 SUV, it also features the Yisifang power system, with four electric motors generating up to 322 horsepower for each wheel, resulting in a total output of 1,288 horsepower. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 2 seconds, which puts it on par with the Rimac Nevera, made in Croatia, that reaches 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 1.85 seconds.
The cost of the YangWang U9 remains unknown, but the automaker teased it as a “million-yuan” supercar during its launch event, which implies a starting price of around $145,000.
There is currently no information about whether these electric vehicles will be available outside of China. However, if they do, do you believe they have a chance to compete against the high-end models produced by traditional automakers in the United States? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
BYD is currently not available in South Africa.
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