BYD has unveiled the first two models from its new Yangwang premium EV brand, saying they will compete against models from traditional luxury car makers such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz - with prices set to start at around one million yuan (around £122,100) when sales begin in China later this year.
The Shenzhen-based company unveiled the U8, a hardcore off-roader in the mould of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and the U9, a rakish Audi R8-rivalling sports coupé.
The two new EVs form an integral part of BYD’s efforts to broaden its scope and become a global car maker with offerings in all car segments, following record-breaking sales in the Chinese market over the past 12 months.
In 2022, BYD became the world’s leading maker of electrified cars, including pure-electric ones and plug-in hybrids, selling nearly two million cars in 2022.
BYD chief executive Wang Chuanfu said the new Yangwang brand “will reshape the contours of the global luxury car market” before revealing BYD’s sales target of 4 million cars in 2023.
Both the U8 and the U9 use proprietary EV technology, including lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) batteries developed by BYD itself.
Details to the capacity of the battery and projected range haven't yet been disclosed, although Chuanfu told the media that both will be set new standards in the luxury-car class.
The styling of the initial Yangwang models has been overseen by BYD’s head of design, Wolfgang Egger, the former Alfa Romeo and Audi design boss.
The U8 and U9 boast what Egger described as a "gate of time and space" design lineage, which is reserved specifically for Yangwang models.
At 5300mm in length, the upright U8 is 483mm longer than today's G-Class. It also rides on a wheelbase that's 410mm longer than the long-running Mercedes', at 3500mm.
Join the debate
Add your comment
R.I.P the cars makers in the West then?, seems there's more and more car brands coming from the East and not just from China, I'm not saying they aren't good cars, I'm saying the West can't produce enough quick enough to fend off the competition.
Peter, the West is actively moving production to China. All future electric minis will be made in China with only petrol models still made in Oxford... guess where that story is headed. Ditto BMW, Citroen, VW, Tesla and more making cars for Europe in China. UK manufacturing will go first but European factories might go the same way at this rate.
I don't think European manufacturers have too much to worry about. Who with more than two brain cells is going to spend more than £100,000 for a Yangwang when less money will buy a brand new Porsche 911?
The branding agency certainly earned their money. The English speaking world will be flocking to drive a Wang
Don't bang your Yangwang in a prang.