► Yangwang U8 driven
► 1200bhp range-extender
► Could come to the UK
BYD may have only be in the UK for a year at the most, but it’s already three models deep: first we had the Atto 3, then the more Oceanic-themed Dolphin and Seal. So what’s next? It could be a new premium sub-brand called Yangwang.
The Yangwang range currently consists of two models – the tower block-sized U8 hybrid SUV (currently the best-selling new energy vehicle in its segment in China) and the pure electric U9 supercar – and at least one of them could be coming to the UK. Earlier this week, we had a poke around the former and even drove it around the Goodwood track – so read on for our initial impressions.
At a glance
Pros: Lots of luxury, straight line performance, REX-powered range
Cons: Marmite styling isn’t for everyone, and is it even coming to the UK?
What’s different?
Everything. BYD sees Yangwang as a premium, performance brand, so the U8 is unlike anything else we’ve seen from the company on UK shores. On the outside, the styling is distinctly fussier than the clean lines of the most recent BYDs: there are extra bits of detail around the wheel arches, a ‘roof detection system’ that houses Lidar and other autonomous tech. And at the front and rear, the U8’s lights look like a particularly frantic game of Tetris.
It’s certainly an eyeful, and like other Chinese cars it’ll be striking to some and horrific to others. Yangwang calls it Time Gate styling, while the brand’s badge comes from the Chinese symbol for electricity.
What are the specs?
Yangwang sometimes refers to this car as a ‘New Energy’ performance hybrid SUV, but it’s easier to call it a range extender. Its E4 chassis packs in a 295bhp ( motor on each wheel (which comes with benefits we’ll explain later) and all fed by a relatively small 50kWh battery. However, that’s topped up every so often by a compact 2.0-litre engine. The important thing here is that the engine is not directly connected to the wheels – it’s simply a method of indirectly powering the motors.
The Yangwang also benefits from BYD’s Blade battery system which powers some the brand’s other, smaller pure-electric models.
Put it all together, and the U8 has a combined horsepower of 1180bhp, 944 ft lbs of torque and 0-62mph time of just 3.6 seconds. Not bad for a car that weighs around three and a half tonnes.
Range and charging
Range is 621 miles (1000km) combined (CLTC) , which is impressive for an EV but relatively normal for a range extender. Maximum speed is 124mph (200kmh). The U8 can charge from 30% to 80% using 110kW fast-charging, though it’s important to remember that it’s a range extender, so that’ll be filling up its relatively small battery.
Like Hyundai’s E-GMP platform the U8 can also act as a power source for other devices and will put out 6kW.
How does it drive?
The Yangwang U8 isn’t yet homologated so we don’t have any road impressions – but we were able to drive it on the Goodwood circuit.
After the zooming of the pits with the odd snippet of engine noise, our first impressions continue as we brake into turn one, and they’re pretty positive. Quick to launch as its spec sheet suggests, the U8 is certainly rapid, and its weight doesn’t seem to apply in braking.
The Yangwang stops sooner than we’d think and doesn’t give you that impending sense of doom in braking zones like some EVs can. However, the way in which it stops is rather confusing; it’s probably down to a myriad of systems looking to save extra battery juice through regeneration – as well as the car’s trick suspension minimising dive. It’s a bit magic then, but a bit discombobulating.
But while its weight is hidden in the straight things, there is noticeable amount of roll in bends; smooth, sensitive steering was always required and a relatively light feel made things initially quite fingertip. The prototype we drove could’ve been in the wrong mode for track work (if there ever is a right mode for this situation) but it certainly looked high.
The ride on the other hand, was magic carpet-esque – though how much of that is down to the billiard smooth surface of Goodwood and how it’s the result of Yangwang engineers remains to be seen.
Is this what the majority of Yangwang U8s will be used for? Almost certainly not – but Yangwang is actively associating itself with performance, so it’s worth a mention.
And one more thing: a couple of U8s spent most of the day doing tank-turns – another benefit having a motor-per-wheel. Handy for the central London traffic jams and tight NCP car parks the U8 may end up facing…
What about the interior?
While the outside might not scream ‘premium’ the interior of the U8 certainly does. Every flat surface has a screen embedded. The focal point is aa 12.8-inch, central-mounted curved display with 2k resolution but both the driver and passenger get their own dedicated 23.6-inch Mini LED screens too. Comfortable with a commanding driving position, the U8 certainly feels like a luxury car. We didn’t get to test them, but U8 also comes with a 22-speaker 7.1.4 Dolby Amos system from Dynaudio, so it’ll play selected tracks in 3D.
We didn’t get to test the ride from the rear but a poke around suggests there’s ample leg room for rear passengers. Those in the back get a pair of floating 12.8-inch screens, and there’s also a 7-inch screen in the arm rest.
As you’d expect, the U8 comes with all the usual safety equipment plus two interesting additions. The U8 is able to torque vector to mitigate the violent movements associated with tyre blowouts, and it’s also able to float and navigate in a flood. That’s right, the U8 can essentially wade/float around for up to 30 minutes and to a depth of 1000mm – though it will need a thorough check after the voyage. As you’d expect, this is for emergency occasions only – the U8’s amphibious capabilities can’t be triggered by the drive a la James Bond.
The rivals
The U8 costs 1,098,000 Chinese Yen, which equated to around £120,000, so if it ever ends up on sale in the UK it’ll have some heavy-hitting rivals: First up is the Porsche Cayenne GTS, which certainly ticks all the performances boxes if not the luxury – but with a starting price of £85,000 there’s more than enough room to raid the options list. In terms of luxury – and size – the U8 also attract the attention of the Range Rover which starts at just over £50,000.
Powertrain wise, there’s nothing with a REX system on the same level of the U8, but the BMW iX is the Yangwang’s closest pure electric competitor. While Munich’s £95,000 (starting price) might not quite scale the same luxurious heights as the Yangwang, it’s certainly got the U8 beat in terms of dynamics.
At speed it just feels more poised than the Chinese SUV, thanks to more feedback through the wheel and the brakes – as well as tighter body control. The BMW’s 380-mile range is significantly less than the U8’s, though that’s because Munich’s machine makes do with a 105kWh battery alone.
Verdict
Unlike other BYD products, the Yangwang U8 doesn’t target existing sectors but seems to forge its own. Unique in terms of its aims and the technology it uses to achieve them, the U8 is unlike anything else currently on sale in the UK – and that’s before we get into its sheer-size or outlandish looks.
The most recent BYD models have made an impact in Europe thanks to a combination of strong product and existing demand. The U8 is the best-selling car in its segment in China, but whether there’s a demand for a £120k REX SUV in the UK remains to be seen. That’s the question Yangwang wants to know right now, too.