BYD is set to introduce its new ultra-luxurious Yangwang U8, a formidable rival to the Land Rover Defender, at the Geneva Motor Show. This marks the Chinese manufacturer's first venture into the European luxury car segment, aiming to compete with established brands like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW.
The Yangwang U8 is built on the e4 platform, distinct from BYD's other electric vehicles in Europe. It features a quad-motor powertrain, delivering over 1100 hp, with one motor per wheel. This setup enables 360-degree "tank turns" and enhances the vehicle's agility. The U8 also incorporates a 49kWh battery and a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine as a range extender, not directly driving the wheels.
YangWang U8
Another highlight is the U8's 'intelligent' hydraulic suspension system, designed to reduce rollover risks and maintain a stable cabin during extreme maneuvers, even allowing driving on three wheels if needed.
The U8, with its considerable length of 5,300 mm and wheelbase of 3,500 mm, would logically be competing with top-of-the-range versions of the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes G-Class if exported to Europe, but the company has not said which markets it might be sold in, nor given any idea of volumes or local pricing. It costs around 140,000 euros on its home market.
Source: Autocar
