Yangwang is one of China’s lesser-known car brands, internationally recognised mainly for setting a recent world speed record for production cars. Now the BYD-owned marque is planning a European launch for its high-end U8 electric SUV, which can even float on water.
Yangwang launched the distinctive petrol-electric U8 in January 2023 in China, with domestic sales starting from September 20. So far, it has only been showcased in Europe, making an appearance at the 2024 Geneva car show.
The heavyweight, five-seat off-roader has been hailed as one of the world’s most powerful SUVs, with a massive 1,200 horsepower on tap. It boasts acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, and BYD claims a battery range of over 1,000 km.
Other features include its ability to float on water for up to 30 minutes and turn on the spot like a tank, thanks to an electric motor at each wheel.
«With the left and right wheels turning in opposite directions, the U8 pirouettes with all the grace of a circus elephant,» noted Autocar magazine tester Illya Verpraet earlier this year.
BYD vice president Stella Li said the company’s plan is to bring Yangwang into Europe from 2027. She would not be drawn on the price for the car, which will compete against upmarket SUVs from Bentley and Rolls-Royce. It costs the equivalent of around €130,000 in China.
Yangwang will follow BYD’s Denza brand, which is set to launch in Europe early next year. Earlier this year, its range sibling, the quadruple-motor U9 Extreme supercar, entered the record books when it touched 496.22 km/h at the Papenburg test circuit in Germany.
