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This 1,100 Horsepower Electric Off-Roader From China Can Do One Thing That The Tesla Model X Can't
BYBRIAN ANDERSONJan. 15 2023
Meet the BYD YangWang, a luxurious all-electric off-road beast with a funny name that just won't stop when the going gets rough
Chinese automaker BYD has recently announced the all-electric 1,110 horsepower YangWang U8 luxury SUV. While the name could certainly use some work, especially if it is ever offered in the U.S. market, the vehicle itself looks to be a monster of technology and off-road capabilities.
BYD already overtook Tesla as the world's largest producer of EVs, and looks to run up the score with this surprisingly affordable offering. The Yang Wang U8 is meant to compete in the increasingly crowded full-size SUV and off-road class, but does it have what it takes to climb to the top of the heap?
The U8's Familiar Styling
The YangWang U8 looks suspiciously like a Land Rover Defender, but as the old saying goes: steal from the best. It's probably not a coincidence that the BYD SUV looks so similar to the Defender because the vehicle's popularity and success are probably what the company is trying to emulate.
There are a few differences in the ladder-framed YangWang's styling like the integrated LED headlights, illuminated front grill, and downright Sci-Fi inspired futuristic taillights. It also has flush door handles, an octagonal spare tire cover, and unique fender accents.
There are no details on the interior, but it is a luxury SUV, so presumably, it will be pretty nice. Then again, the Tesla Model X is a luxury SUV, and it has a fairly stark interior. BYD is reportedly stocking the U8 with lots of electronic goodies, including a state-of-the-art infotainment system.
The YangWang U8 Has Plenty Of Power
The all-wheel drive SUV's quad-motor powertrain provides more than enough power to propel this beast like a rocket. Each motor produces 295-322 horsepower, which generates a combined 1,110 horsepower for the vehicle. That's enough to launch the U8 from 0-62 mph in three seconds flat. It is essentially a supercar, disguised as a shoebox.
The Pininfarina Battista goes 0-60 in two seconds, the Porsche Taycan Turbo S hits 0-60 in 2.6 seconds, and the Lotus Evija does 0-60 in just under three seconds. The YangWang U8 is right there with what is probably a sub-three-second time, and it likely weighs much more as it is a full-size SUV without an aerodynamic design. The U8 comes with BYD's Blade battery, but so far the capacity and range haven't been announced. It would be surprising if this vehicle didn't have a 300-400 mile range on a charge, but only time will tell.
Lamborghini recently announced the off-road Huracán Sterrato, but it's designed for driving on low-grip surfaces like gravel or snow, and not necessarily for rugged trailblazing. With 20-inch alloy wheels, all-wheel drive, and advanced torque vectoring, the Yangwang U8 was made to be driven off-road.
Equipped with something called “Yisifang” technology, the U8 has some amazing capabilities. The vehicle can pivot 360 degrees in a tank spin and even "crab walk," propelling itself sideways. Not that anyone would ever take a luxury SUV rock-climbing, but they certainly could with this one. Additionally, BYD claims the U8 can run smoothly at 75 mph with a flat tire.
Another neat, but possibly useless, feature is that the vehicle floats. Thanks to a sealed body design, the YangWang U8 is waterproof and buoyant. If one were so inclined, this SUV could be floated down the Mississippi River. There is no word if BYD will offer an outboard motor option.
Price Point And Quality Control
BYD hasn't announced a price for the YangWang U8 yet, but it is rumored to come in at around $145,000. That may seem steep and is out of most people's budgets, but considering how much SUV that comes with that price tag, it's actually modestly priced.
By comparison, the Mercedes G-class EQG, expected to launch in 2024, will have a starting price of $274,984. Both vehicles are similar, though the U8 is a bit more visually appealing, so a YangWang can be had at almost half the price.
The words "Made in China" don't always illicit confidence in the quality of the product, but that's mostly because of all the poorly-made, inexpensive stuff on Walmart's shelves. Apple's iPhones are made in China, and they're good. Besides, BYD has earned a reputation for making high-quality EVs.
The Yang Wang U8 Looks Like A Winner
BYD hasn't confirmed if the YangWang will be available in the U.S., but the Chinese automaker does have an American division, so there's hope. If and when they bring this impressive SUV to America, hopefully, the company considers a name change. BYD stands for "Build Your Dreams" which is a very Western culture-friendly name, but YangWang is going to elicit more than a few giggles in the States.
Name notwithstanding, the YangWang U8 looks like a winner. It's a rugged off-road monster, with refined luxury and next-gen technology. The fact that it is being offered for a relatively low price, poises the vehicle to dominate the market. Especially if BYD brings it to the U.S., where it will have people forgetting what a Tesla is.
