BYD’s promised premium sub-brand has launched its first car, the Yangwang U8, a rugged-looking SUV within the mould of the Land Rover Defender – however with 4 electrical motors.
Stories from the launch in China immediately present an upright design with a blingy grille, headlights reasonably like a Nissan Patrol, squared-off wheel arches with sheet metallic blistering, aerodynamic flush door handles, and a chunky D-pillar forward of the tailgate-mounted spare wheel.
However reasonably than being mechanically like a Defender it’s extra akin to the upcoming all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQG, although at a reported 5300mm it’s longer even than a GLS.
The brand new Yangwang U8 will reportedly use an in-house four-motor EV system, utilizing 4 (IP68 sealed) electrical motors to drive every wheel immediately and a central management unit.
Such a system theoretically provides you a lot faster and extra exact torque allocation, and even the power to tug off a 360-degree arc on the spot.
Translated slides from the BYD occasion state the utmost system output is a few 1100hp, which is round 820kW, enabling what seems to be a 0-100km/h potential of about 3 seconds.
It would naturally use considered one of BYD’s in-house ‘Blade’ batteries, however there’s not a lot on the market concerning vary. To date the Blade batteries have used LFP chemistry.
BYD didn’t appear to disclose the automobile’s inside, however the Yangwang model is designed to be a luxurious providing.
Whereas there was no point out of worth on the launch occasion, it’s anticipated to value about 1 million yuan ($A213,000), making it an enormous step up for BYD.
BYD is likely to be among the many most formidable, nevertheless it gained’t be the primary Chinese language automaker to spin off a extra upmarket, SUV-focused model. Nice Wall Motor has two: Wey and Tank, whereas Chery has its Jetour model.
Australia
It’s too early to say if BYD will ultimately increase Yangwang past China and into right-hand drive markets. BYD in Australia is at present rolling out its mainstream EV vary, having began final yr with the Atto 3 and bringing the Seal sedan and Dolphin hatch this yr.
There are extra footage within the gallery. What do you suppose?
MORE: BYD teases Yangwang electrical SUV
