BYD, the Chinese automaker that has grown into the world’s top electric vehicle producer in under two decades, has introduced a fresh car line named YangWang. The goal is clear: compete with luxury brands like Mercedes Benz, BMW and Audi on the global stage and especially for customers in North America and Canada.
To demonstrate capability, YangWang rolled out two premium electric machines at launch: an SUV designated the U8 and a supercar named the U9.
The YangWang U8 4×4 rides on a sturdy frame and carries four electric motors, one positioned for each wheel. Collectively, the traction units deliver over 1100 horsepower, underscoring the brand’s push into extreme performance for electric propulsion.
The manufacturer has not disclosed battery capacity or driving range yet. It has, however, highlighted enhanced torque vectoring that enables 60 mph sprint times in about three seconds. The system relies on four independent motors and rear wheels that can steer, allowing the SUV to perform tight turns on the spot and even execute diagonal maneuvers. Its sealed body design also enables it to traverse water obstacles and offers a level of buoyancy that aids in marine-like conditions.
A notable feature of the U8 is its ability to maintain momentum at speeds up to 120 km per hour even with a flat tire. The exact method remains unclear, but run flat tires or a robust on vehicle inflation system are likely explanations for this capability.
In terms of size, the SUV stretches 5,300 millimeters in length, and its wheelbase is extended by 3,050 millimeters, making it roughly half a meter longer than the Mercedes Benz G class in wheelbase and overall footprint.
Pricing on the U8 sits around 10 million rubles, which is approximately 1 million yuan. The YangWang U9 supercar borrows the same powertrain layout as the U8 but increases the output of each engine to 322 horsepower, delivering a combined 1288 horsepower. Official claims indicate a 0 to 100 km per hour time of just two seconds for the U9. While the price for the U9 has not been formally announced, the presentation casually referenced a figure near one million yuan, implying both models aim for a similar market position.
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