BYD’s upmarket Yangwang brand showcased its flagship U8 SUV at the ongoing Bharat Mobility Global Expo in Delhi. The four-wheeler is not an EV, but a range-extender plug-in hybrid (PHEV) instead. The current BYD India lineup only includes electric vehicles (EVs) and may use its luxury firm to add portfolio diversity.
- Yangwang U8 can perform tank turn, just like the Mercedes G 580 SUV
- It also gets three LiDAR sensors at the front for added safety
Yangwang U8 SUV performance, battery, charging
Weighing around 3,500kg, the U8 PHEV draws power from a 49.1kWh battery (running four motors), with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine powering a generator. It can be juiced up from 30 to 80 percent in 18 minutes. Output is rated at 1,180hp and 1,280Nm, while the 0-100kph sprint comes in 3.2 seconds. Yangwang claims a combined range of 1,000km with the U8. However, the electric-only range stands at 180km, as per the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).
Yangwang U8 SUV dimensions, design
Built on a 3,050mm wheelbase, the SUV is humongous with proportions including 5,319mm (length), 2,050mm (width) and 1,930mm (height). A car having a nearly 5,300mm length, for reference, is the Mercedes S-Class sedan.
The U8 has a boxy silhouette and looks bold upfront. Pixel-type patterns are spread across the grille, seamlessly blending with the lights. About the side cladding, they have been finished in gloss black and the squared-arches fill the large blacked-out wheels well. For aerodynamic efficiency, flush-type door handles have been added. The same pixellated pattern is present in the taillights, apart from a rear-mounted spare wheel.
Yangwang U8 interior, safety features
Taking into consideration its global specs, the five-seater’s cabin is equipped with a 12.8-inch central touchscreen, with a driver’s display and a front passenger screen each measuring 23.6-inch. Other features include brown upholstery, powered ventilated and massaging front seats, a 50W wireless charging pad, moonroof, 22-speaker setup and electrically deployable side steps. The Yangwang U8 can also perform a tank turn as it has differential steering, something that we have seen in the Mercedes G-Class Electric.
Safety is taken care of by a Level 2 ADAS suite, working in harmony with 38 sensors, 3 LiDARs. 13 cameras and 12 ultrasonic radars.
BYD hasn't yet confirmed on bringing the U8 PHEV SUV to India. If launched, it will rival SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover, BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.
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