YangWang, the luxury electric car brand of BYD, introduced its new U8 SUV in China on September 20th.
The U8 comes in two versions and is priced at 150,000 USD, making it the priciest electric car in China.
- Premium Edition: Sold first and will be delivered to customers next October.
- Off-road Master Edition: Has additional off-road features such as a more aggressive and extended front bumper, a snorkel and a roof rack, and side steps to climb to the roof. This version is sold later than the Premium Edition.
The U8 is an extended range electric vehicle (EREV) that features a 2.0 turbo engine and is powered by a 49.05 kWh LFP battery pack. The battery of the car is seamlessly integrated into the chassis, known as the Disus-P hydraulic body, which allows for flexible height adjustment of up to 150 mm.
When the car’s battery is fully charged and its fuel tank is filled with 75 liters, it can travel a distance of 1,000 kilometers.
The U8 is a large-sized vehicle, measuring 5,319 mm in length, 2,050 mm in width, and 1,930 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase of 3,050 mm. The car boasts a powerful performance with its 4 electric motors and 4-wheel drive system. It delivers an impressive 1,197 horsepower and 1,280 Nm of torque.
With its capabilities, the U8 can reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h and achieves an acceleration time of 0-100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds.
To ensure convenience and efficiency, the U8 is equipped with 110 kW DC fast charging. From a charge level of 30-80%, the vehicle can be fully charged in just 18 minutes. This fast charging feature allows for quick and hassle-free recharging.
Moreover, the U8 has the ability to power electronic devices for a significant amount of time. With its power capacity, it can provide energy to electronic gadgets and appliances for up to 28 hours.
The vehicle is equipped with three lidars, thirteen cameras, twelve ultrasonic radars, and five millimeter wave radars. Additionally, it is equipped with advanced driving assistance technology known as ADAS level 2.
The car’s interior is truly impressive, featuring a total of six screens. These include a remarkable 23.6-inch digital clock, a 23.6-inch infotainment screen positioned in front of the passenger seat, a central control screen measuring 12.8 inches, an LCD control screen cleverly integrated into the armrest, and two additional screens designed specifically for the rear seats.
The vehicle is equipped with a 50-inch windshield information display system and a top-notch Dynaudio sound system featuring 22 speakers.
In addition to off-road capabilities, the most outstanding feature of the U8 is its ability to wade in very deep water. The Premium version can cross water up to 1,000 mm. Thanks to the snorkel, the Off-road Master version can wade up to 1,400 mm.
Once wading mode is engaged, the vehicle’s sensors will detect and analyze the surrounding conditions, including the depth of water and the level of traction on the wheels.
In the event that the vehicle encounters water levels surpassing the prescribed limit, the emergency flotation mode will autonomously engage. During this time, the internal combustion engine will promptly cease operation, the suspension system will elevate to its highest level utilizing the Disus-P hydraulic body control system, the windows will automatically shut, and the sunroof will open to establish an emergency exit pathway. Additionally, the air conditioning will switch to internal air circulation. The occupant of the vehicle will have the ability to monitor the depth of submersion through the central screen that displays the water level.
The U8 has the ability to float for 30 minutes, allowing it to navigate flooded areas. It can also rotate while in the floating mode and move forward at a speed of 3 km/h in case of emergencies. However, it is necessary to take the vehicle to service stations for inspection after activating the emergency flotation mode.
