Headquartered out of Shenzhen, BYD — or “Build Your Dreams” — is a Chinese transportation firm that trades in everything from passenger cars to busses to commercial vehicles to electric bicycles. And while the company already produces some thoroughly capable electric cars — such as the HAN EV — it has now opted to begin producing even more high-end EVs under a new sub brand known as YangWang. To kick things off, YangWang has pulled the cover off of two all-new models. Alongside an 1,100-hp proton-powered hypercar, it has also revealed the YangWang U8 electric sport utility vehicle.
Constructed around a ladder frame and equipped with a sealed body, the U8 combines high levels of luxury with equally impressive off-roading capabilities, with an immensely plush cabin, ample ground clearance and suspension travel, and a bevy of unique drive modes and capabilities. Sporting an overall aesthetic design that looks incredibly similar to the new Land Rover Defender, the U8 features a massive illuminated grille sandwiched between a rectangular set of LED headlights that boast a similar look to those used on the Rolls Royce Phantom. The headlights are also supplemented via a set of roof-mounted auxiliary items. Riding on 20” alloy wheels that sit under flared fenders, the U8 also features a rear-mounted spare wheel set beneath a hexagonal cover, flush door handles, and ornate-looking mirrors.
The SUV is powered by a quad electric motor setup that draws from BYD’s Blade battery architecture and puts down around 1,100hp and 1,240ft-lbs of torque. Also equipped with an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system and advanced torque vectoring, the U8 is capable of hitting 60mph from a complete standstill in just three seconds flat. Some of the unique abilities offered by the SUV include a floating water mode, being able to crab walk, being able to perform 360-degree tank-style turns while remaining in place, and having the ability to drive at speeds of up to 75mph even when riding on a flat.
Just launched exclusively in China, the YangWang U8 Electric SUV will, according to its manufacturer, be priced somewhere between CN¥800,000 and CN¥1,500,000 (~ $117,000 and $219,350).
