The new model will be BYD’s largest and most luxurious electric sedan, with coach doors and a shape similar to the Rolls-Royce Phantom.
BYD’s new flagship electric sedan will launch overseas
BYD is better known for its low-cost electric cars, like the Seagull, a little hatchback that sells for under $10,000 in China.
The Chinese auto giant has greatly expanded its portfolio over the past few months and years. BYD now offers everything from entry-level EVs to three-row flagship SUVs, pickup trucks, electric supercars, and just about everything in between.
BYD has three sub-brands: Denza, FangChengBao, and Yangwang. It also has two main families under the BYD brand: the Dynasty and Ocean series.
Yangwang sits at the top of BYD’s brand hierarchy and showcases its latest breakthrough technologies.
Previously, Yangwang vehicles debuted on BYD’s quad-motor e4 platform, delivering a whopping 1,300 horsepower and featuring its DiSus-X intelligent body control system, which enables the vehicle to “dance,” jump, and drive on three wheels.
For its next model, BYD is pushing further into the elite segment to take on ultra-luxury brands like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Mercedes-Maybach.
Yangwang general manager Hu Xiaoqing revealed several images of its new executive sedan testing last month.
Although it was disguised, it appeared to be about the same shape and size as the Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class or Rolls-Royce Phantom. Local reports indicate it will be around 5,500 mm (216″) long.
HU confirmed for the first time this week that the global launch of the new flagship sedan will take place in the UAE, not in BYD’s home market of China. BYD has not yet revealed a specific launch date.
Zheng Yu, Yangwang’s executive general manager, said the new model will feature “unprecedented disruptive technology,” but didn’t reveal specifics.
Although details are still limited, the ultra-luxury sedan was shown at BYD’s Flash Charging station, suggesting it will support megawatt flash charging.
It also features rear-hinged coach doors, a first for BYD. The flagship EV will reportedly be the first to feature BYD’s solid-state batteries.
BYD executive vice president Stella Li said during an interview with Carwow.es last month that the company’s first vehicle to use solid-state batteries will debut in 2027.
The executive sedan is expected to debut officially this month. Prices are rumored to start in the 2 million yuan range, or about $300,000.
Yangwang’s current electric sedan, the U7, starts at 658,000 yuan ($98,000). The brand also sells the U8 (and U8L), a plug-in hybrid luxury off-road SUV, and the U9, a fully electric super-coupe.
The extended U8L is Yangwang’s highest-priced mass-produced vehicle, starting at 1.45 million yuan ($217,000).
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