YangWang, the newest brand of BYD, debuted its first model in China, an entirely electric luxury off-roader with a ladder frame. The new Yangwang U8 enhances its off-road capabilities by combining tough appearance with a quad motor arrangement and cutting-edge technology.
Although the style is exclusive to the YangWang brand, the new U8's silhouette appears to be significantly influenced by the Land Rover Defender. The flat door handles, the hexagonal spare wheel cover on the tailgate, the futuristic split LED tail lights, the LED headlights that blend with the lighted grille, the boxy fenders and squared-off wheel arches atop 20-inch alloy wheels are all noteworthy elements.
Sadly, there are no interior images, but a peek through the windows of camouflaged prototypes during testing in China revealed a sizable infotainment touchscreen and a big digital instrument cluster.
The new electric SUV, which is built on a ladder-frame construction, is comparable in size to the unibody Defender 130 at 5,300 mm (208.7 inches) long and 3,050 mm (120.1 inches) in wheelbase. The BYD Blade battery that powers the YangWang U8 is included, but its capacity and anticipated range are unknown. In-house created "Yisifang" technology, which will be standard on all models of the Yangwang brand, is also used by the U8 for the quad-motor powertrain.
For a total combined output of more than 1,100 horsepower (820 kW / 1,115 PS), the U8's two motors each provide 295-322 hp (220-240 kW / 299-326 PS) and 320-420 Nm (236-310 lb-ft) of torque. The huge and heavyweight SUV can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in about three seconds because of the enormous combined power output. The electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system, which is claimed to be 100 times faster than a traditional one, now has advanced torque vectoring features as well.
The business also claims that the U8 has dedicated driving modes for various off-roading circumstances, extending its capabilities beyond the established path, and includes a crab mode, a floating water mode made possible by the waterproof and sealed body. The SUV will be able to maintain a speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) even in the event of a flat tyre, according to the manufacturer.
YangWang models will cost between 800,000 and 1,500,000 won ($116,272 - 218,011), according to BYD. The U8's price was not disclosed by the manufacturer, but according to Chinese media, it will be approximately 1,000,000 ($145,340). This costs almost half as much as an ICE-powered Mercedes G-Class, which in China starts at $1,892,000 ($274,984).
