BYD YangWang U8, the new 100% electric Chinese SUV

The Chinese giant BYD has just unveiled its new premium model family called YangWang, a line created with the aim of bringing to market the most technologically advanced, luxurious and exclusive new releases within the group, and which will also present only 100% electric models.

Coinciding with this presentation, the brand has also decided to unveil the first model that will become part of its product portfolio, debuting a new platform, a design on a highly avant-garde SUV body and performance comparable to that of many supercars, thanks to having an electric motor on each of its axles.

Starting with its design, the BYD YangWang U8 conveys a great sense of width, length and height, as it boasts dimensions of 5.3 metres in length, two metres in width and a wheelbase of 3.05 metres, which makes it the same length as other models such as the Land Rover Defender 130.

Robust and modern

From the front view, its muscular bumper, the gigantic grille, the light clusters with LED technology in a P shape, or the bulges on the roof just above the windscreen give it a truly imposing look and a strong presence to stand face to face with its major rivals.

Looking from the side profile, the U8 unmistakably recalls the aforementioned Land Rover Defender, with square, muscular wheel arches, a completely flat roof running to the rear and a C-pillar with several horizontal stripes that give its silhouette a more modern touch.

At the rear, the YangWang U8 again shows a very modern line, highlighted by L-shaped LED taillights surrounding the rear window, further LED lights located at mid-height on the tailgate, and a spare wheel mounted in the centre of the tailgate, as befits a off-road vehicle with capabilities beyond the tarmac.

An off-roader with supercar capabilities

Although how the interior of the new 100% electric model will look has yet to be revealed, BYD has confirmed that its new model will fit four electric motors — one per axle — each rated at 240 kW, allowing a total output of around 820 kW, or in other words, roughly 1115 CV of power, figures that enable it to reach 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds.

With all this, BYD has taken the opportunity to also present its next YangWang U9, an electric supercar that will be capable of reaching 0 to 100 km/h in an incredible 2 seconds.