BYD’s luxurious Yangwang model is launching a brand new three-row variant of its off-road luxurious U8 SUV. The brand new U8 mannequin will problem Vary Rover and Defender within the bigger luxurious SUV section. The brand new BYD SUV was noticed in China forward of its official debut later this month.
BYD launched its new high-end Yangwang model final January, unveiling two fashions: The U8 off-road SUV and the U9 electrical supercar.
Final November, the model launched its first mannequin, the U8, with beginning costs over $150,000 (1,089,000 yuan). That’s fairly the distinction from BYD’s well-liked low-cost EVs like the Seagull, which begins at below $10,000 (69,800 yuan) in China.
Considered as a Mercedes G-Class and Vary Rover rival, the U8 is full of options like float mode and tank turns.
In truth, BYD claims the U8 can plow by way of 100 mm extra water than a Defender. The usual mannequin can wade as much as 1,000 mm (39″), whereas the Off-Highway Grasp mannequin can wade by way of as much as 1,400 mm (55″).
With 4 e-motors, the U8 has as much as 1,180 hp (880 kW) and 1,290 Nm torque. All that energy is sweet for a 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) dash in 3.6 seconds. Though it has a 49 kWh BYD Blade Battery, it’s an EREV. With a 75L gasoline tank, the U8 will get as much as 621 miles (1,000 km) CLTC vary.
BYD’s luxurious off-road SUV is getting a three-row mannequin
In keeping with CarNewsChina, the three-row U8 was noticed on a tow truck in China. You possibly can see slight design adjustments, like an extended wheelbase and rear overhang.
The U8’s fundamental design parts, just like the daring entrance grille and headlights, stay the identical. The spare wheel can be nonetheless mounted on the again.
Regardless of the camouflage, you may see the mannequin is longer than the present U8. Though BYD has but to disclose official particulars, it’s more likely to characteristic a 2+2+2 seating structure with luxurious captain chairs within the second row.
The present five-seat mannequin is 5,319 mm lengthy, 2,050 mm huge, and 1,930 mm tall, so the three-row mannequin is predicted to be even longer.
Inside, you’ll discover BYD’s newest tech and software program with show screens for everybody. The U8 has a 12.8″ infotainment, a 23.6″ instrument cluster, a 23.6″ passenger display, and twin 12.8″ screens for the rear passengers.
BYD’s new U8 mannequin will problem different three-row luxurious SUVs, just like the Vary Rover Govt prolonged mannequin and Defender 130. It will likely be formally revealed on the Chengdu Motor Present on August 30. Examine again for the total particulars.
The Yangwang model launched its second EV, the U9 electrical supercar, earlier this 12 months. Beginning at $233,000 (1,680,000 yuan), the U9 is half the price of a Ferrari (however it’ll beat one in a race).
Electrek’s Take
The three-row SUV is the newest in BYD’s automobile launch spree. Final week, BYD launched the new 2025 Seal EV, its Tesla Mannequin 3-rivaling electrical sedan. It’s additionally launching the new flagship GT below its Denza model on August 20.
Though BYD is greatest identified for its low-cost EVs, such because the Seagull, Dolphin, Atto 3, and Seal fashions, the automaker is rapidly increasing into new segments like pickup vans, luxurious, and electrical supercars.
With a slate of recent fashions hitting the market over the subsequent few months, BYD expects EVs to proceed stealing market share from gas-powered vehicles in China.
Many high-end automakers, together with Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Ferrari, are already seeing gross sales droop in China. BYD expects this development to proceed over the subsequent few years. The corporate predicts international manufacturers’ market share will drop from 40% to 10% over the subsequent three to 5 years.
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