January 8th 2023
BYD, the Chinese powerhouse that took the world of electric vehicles by storm, has just unveiled a new luxury car brand called YangWang. With the goal of competing with the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, YangWang has introduced two impressive electric vehicles: the rugged U8 off-roader and the sleek U9 supercar.
The YangWang U8 boasts an impressive four electric motors, one for each wheel, providing an estimated 1,100 horsepower and over 1,200 pound-feet of torque. While details on the battery and range have yet to be released, the U8 is equipped with advanced torque vectoring and can go from 0-62 mph in just three seconds.
But the U8’s capabilities don’t end there. With its quad-motor setup, the vehicle can perform tank turns and even has a crab mode for navigating tricky terrain. And with its waterproof and sealed body, the U8 can effortlessly ford through water in a “floating water mode.” Additionally, the SUV can keep driving at up to 75 mph even with a flat tire, though it’s unclear if this is due to run-flat tires or some other innovative feature.
While we eagerly await a peek at the inner workings of the YangWang U8 electric SUV, measurements of the vehicle have been made public. At a lengthy 208.7 inches and a wheelbase of 120.1 inches, it towers over the G-Class (depending on the trim level).
The U8 is set to shake up the luxury SUV market with its estimated starting price of around $145,000. This puts it in direct competition with heavy hitters like the Mercedes-Benz EQG and the forthcoming electric Land Rover Defender.
The second vehicle YangWang introduced is the U9 – a supercar like no other. Its sleek, low-slung design featuring C-shaped front LED lights and a center fin is sure to turn heads.
Under the hood, the U9 boasts a quad-motor setup with a staggering 1,288 horsepower thanks to the Yisifang power system. This allows it to rocket from 0 to 62 mph in just 2 seconds, giving the Croatian-made Rimac Nevera a run for its money with a 0 to 60 mph time of 1.85 seconds.
The price for the U9 has yet to be announced, but it was unveiled as a “million-yuan” supercar, so we can expect a similar cost to the U8.
As of now, it’s uncertain if these electrifying YangWang vehicles will be available outside of China. If they do make their way to the United States, do you think they’ll have what it takes to take on the luxury models offered by established automakers?
Source and Images: InsideEVs