BYD Promising premium sub-brands launched its first car, the Duong Vuong U8a rugged-looking SUV modeled after Land Rover Defender – but with four electric motors.
Reports from the launch in China today show a vertical design with a sparkling grille, headlights like a Nissan Patrolsquare wheel arches with blistered metal panels, aerodynamically flat door handles and a sturdy D-pillar in front of the trunk-mounted spare wheel.
But rather than mechanically like a Defender, it resembles the upcoming all-electric vehicle. Mercedes-Benz EQGthough at the reported 5300mm, it’s longer than the GLS.
The new Yangwang U8 is said to use an in-house four-motor EV system that uses four electric motors (sealed to IP68 standards) to drive each wheel directly and a central console.
Theoretically, such a system gives you much faster and more accurate torque distribution, even the ability to pull a 360-degree arc on the spot.
The slides translated from the BYD event indicate that the maximum power of the system is about 1100 hp, which is about 820 kW, allowing the ability to accelerate from 0-100 km / h in about 3 seconds.
Naturally, it will use one of BYD’s in-house ‘Blade’ batteries, but not much is known about the range. So far, Blade batteries have used LFP chemistry.
BYD doesn’t seem to reveal the interior of the car, but the Yangwang brand is designed to be a luxury product.
While there was no mention of the price at the launch event, it is expected to cost around 1 million yuan (AU$213,000), which is a big step up for BYD.
BYD may be one of the most ambitious, but it won’t be the first Chinese automaker to create a brand that focuses on more luxury SUVs. Great Wall Motor has two brands: Wey and Tank, while Chery has the Jetour brand.
Australia
It is too early to say whether BYD will eventually expand Yangwang beyond China and into right-hand drive markets. BYD in Australia is now launched its main EV rangestarted last year with Atto 3 and bring Seal car and dolphin bloom this year.
There are many images in the gallery. What do you think?
THAN: BYD teases Yangwang electric SUV
