The 2025 Yangwang U8 is a Land Rover Defender-Inspired Chinese SUV

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Yangwang, a subsidiary of China’s top-selling manufacturer BYD, unveiled their inaugural luxury EV brand Yangwang this year with the U8 model, inspired by Land Rover Defender with four permanent magnet electric motors and a gas-fired generator which does not drive its wheels.

I may oversimplify it a bit, but the U8 certainly stands out from its larger German competitors in that respect.

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Powertrain

As it weighs more than three tonnes, the U8 requires plenty of power for acceleration. Thus, it uses four electric motors driving each wheel that together produce 1,180 horsepower and 1280 pound-feet of torque – enough to propel an SUV like Land Rover Defender from rest to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds!

U8 uses an electric system supported by a 2.0-liter gasoline engine as its range extender, enabling the vehicle to travel roughly 621 miles (1,100 kilometers). Dubbed an extended range electric vehicle (EREV), or hybrid-fuel configuration ensures no range anxiety whatsoever.

While the U8 has yet to be officially introduced into Australia, EVDirect showcased left-hand drive models in Melbourne and Brisbane showrooms during 2024 as well as appearing at Goodwood Festival of Speed. More recently, an example with right-hand drive was seen driving around China which may portend its arrival here as well.

Design

Chinese automaker BYD has made no secret of its ambitions to compete with BMW and Mercedes in the luxury sector. BYD’s flagship is the 3.5-tonne, 1,200HP Yangwang U8 SUV which represents a massive leap up from entry level offerings. It was specifically designed to tackle Bilutu Peak (aka Desert Everest), offering 15+1 off-road modes such as hill climb assistance, descent assistance and even sand driving mode.

U8 uses a ladder chassis with an electric powertrain featuring a 49kWh battery capable of being charged up to 110kW for charging purposes, providing it with an estimated all-electric range of 112 miles and, when equipped with the optional range extender, can cover over 1000km on one charge. Furthermore, it boasts run-flat tyres, four-wheel drive system featuring torque vectoring control and crab mode, run-flat tyres for better driving on flat terrain, tank turns capability as well as floating for short periods on water surfaces for brief periods.

Technology

Though BYD’s U8 may appear to be an attention-seeking prestige SUV – after all it serves as the flagship for its luxury subbrand Yangwang – there is much technology under its hood. This first model from their Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) brand uses ladder chassis construction and four-wheel drive with individual electric motors on each wheel for each drivetrain axle.

Its 49kWh battery can extend its range with the help of an optional gasoline range extender engine to make this an EREV (electric vehicle with an onboard gas engine) system.

Quad motor system uses electric power to overcome inertia of 3.4 tonnes and keep vehicle moving on intended line through bends, though it doesn’t feel particularly agile for such a large and heavy vehicle. Driver can perform “tank turns”, spinning all four wheels independently to spin all wheels at the same time if desired – more impressive than useful, yet gives U8 extra party tricks over European rivals.

Safety

BYD has always been at the top of the luxury market, but this U8 SUV takes their ambitions even further. Capable of reaching 60mph in less than three seconds thanks to 1,200 horsepower and 1,340 pound-feet of torque, its capabilities surpass those seen before in any luxury vehicle on sale today.

The company also built a giant pool to showcase the U8’s ability to dive into deep waters and remain afloat. A video shows it rolling into the pool before sinking somewhat before rising back up, performing a tank turn, and driving off.

Inside, the U8 features a 12.8-inch Galaxy Curved Center Display and dual 23.6-inch longitudinal screens for driver and co-driver. Nappa leather seats and Sapele wood from Africa come standard, along with 22-speaker Dynaudio Evidence Series audio system. In addition, an Eyes of the Sky advanced driver assistance system equipped with 38 sensors (3 LiDAR units, five millimeter-wave radars, 14 ultrasonic sensors, 13 HD cameras) provides Highway Driving Assist, City Navigation Autopilot features with more features to come via over-the-air updates.