Yangwang, the luxury brand owned by BYD, displayed its flagship U8 SUV at the continuing Bharat Mobility Global Expo. Unlike the BYD India lineup, which consists entirely of EVs, the U8 is a range-extender plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Future portfolio diversity may require the automaker to introduce its luxury brand here.The U8 SUV can make the 0-100kph sprint in a claimed 3.2 seconds despite weighing roughly 3,500kg.
Yangwang U8 can turn tanks, same like the Mercedes G 580 SUV. For further safety, it also has three LiDAR sensors at the front.
The U8 PHEV, which runs four motors, weighs roughly 3,500 kg and draws power from a 49.1kWh battery using a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine running a generator. In eighteen minutes, it can be juiced from thirty to eighty per cent. The 0-100kp sprint takes 3.6 seconds; output is listed at 1,200hp and 1,280Nm. Yangwang says the U8 allows him a 1,000km range overall. Still, per the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), the electric-only range is 180km.
BYD U8 SUV exterior
Built on a 3,050mm wheelbase, the five-seater SUV is humongous: 1,930mm high, 2,050mm wide, 5,319mm long. For background, it is more than a Mercedes-Benz GLS or a Land Rover Range Rover.
The U8 looks strong front-on and has a boxy form. Pixel-type patterns cover the grille and mix with the lights without effort. The U8 features a slab-sided profile in a gloss-black finish for the squared-out wheel arches. To add embellishments, the rear quarter window region features some horizontal strakes. Flush-type door handles on the SUV provide aerodynamic efficiency. A big rear-mounted spare wheel and tail lights match the grille’s pixilated pattern.
BYD U8 interior
Apart from a driver’s display and a front passenger screen, each measuring 23.6 inches per global specs, the U8’s cabin features a 12.8-inch centre touchscreen. The AC vents lie atop the dashboard, which creates a fantastic waterfall appearance. Other amenities include a brown leather interior, motorised ventilated and massaging front seats, a 50W wireless charging pad, a sunroof, a 22-speaker array and electrically deployable side steps. The Yangwang U8 can also make a tank turn, as it features differential steering, something we have seen in the Mercedes G-Class electric.
Working in concert with 38 sensors, three LiDAR sensors, 13 cameras, and 12 ultrasonic radars, a Level 2 ADAS suite takes care of safety.
It is unclear whether BYD is sending the U8 PHEV SUV to India. When launched, it will compete with SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, and Land Rover Range Rover.