by Andrea Sroczynski
BYD has revealed the U8 Premium Edition, the OEM’s latest EV set to launch under its high-end vehicle sub-brand Yangwang. The premium off-road EV is priced at 1,098,000 RMB ($150,357 / €141,311), with deliveries expected to begin in October 2023.
Based on BYD’s e4 platform and the DiSus-P Intelligent Hydraulic Body Control System, the vehicle’s plug-in hybrid system enables a maximum range of up to 621 miles (1000 km) and an array of off-roading features. Among these are all-terrain tank turns, tire blowout stabilization, and emergency flotation that together work to enhance safety, performance, and the overall driving experience.
The vehicle’s e? Platform likewise offers four-motor independent drive technology platform that can precisely control the dynamics of all four wheels through four-motor independent vector control, providing rapid sensing, precise recognition, and robust control capabilities. In extreme weather conditions, such as flash floods or off-road water obstacles, the vehicle can remain afloat for up to 30 minutes.
The platform also enables the U8 Premium Edition’s key performance capabilities, such as its 1200 hp rating and its 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) speed of 3.6 seconds, and provides further control through torque vectoring on each wheel – ensuring stability even during a tire blowout, pushing the boundaries of active automotive safety. BYD’s DiSus Intelligent Body Control System similarly enhances the vehicle’s agility and compatibility across various driving scenarios. Here, it reduces the risk of rollovers, minimizes occupant displacement during high-speed cornering, acceleration, or braking, and protects the vehicle from damage under challenging road conditions.
The Yangwang U8 Premium Edition is equipped with BYD’s Blade Batteries that support fast DC charging at rates of up to 110 kW, allowing it to be recharged from 30% to 80% in 18 minutes. The vehicle’s battery can also be used to power electronic devices through its 6 kW vehicle-to-load (VTL) discharge capability, which can provide energy to these devices and high-power equipment for up to 25 hours.
Inside, the vehicle’s infotainment setup consists of a symmetrical, dual-layered, cockpit that features a 12.8-inch OLED center display alongside dual 23.6-inch longitudinal screens for the driver and front passenger. Further along the interior, the U8 Premium Edition provides three 50 kW wireless charging spots and a Dynaudio Evidence Series high-end audio system with 22 speakers.
