BYD is getting ready to unleash its high-end Yangwang brand on Europe in 2026, a move that signals a direct challenge to the continent’s most prestigious automakers like Bentley, Porsche, and Ferrari. This strategic push will follow the European launch of its other premium brand, Denza, early next year, marking a two-pronged assault on the luxury market.
Yangwang first made waves in China with its over-the-top U8, a full-size EREV (extended-range electric vehicle) off-roader that, improbably, can float on water. It’s this kind of fearless engineering and showmanship that BYD is betting will capture the imagination of European buyers.
A New Definition of Luxury
Launched in January 2023, Yangwang quickly established itself as a brand that doesn’t do things by halves. Its first model, the U8 SUV, hit the Chinese market with a price tag of 1,089,000 yuan (around $151,750), making it one of the most expensive mass-produced cars in the country. The brand followed up with the blistering U9 EV supercar, priced at 1,680,000 yuan ($234,100), and the technologically packed Yangwang U7 sedan.
Rumors of a global expansion have swirled for a while, fueled by BYD showcasing the U8 at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show and the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Now, it’s official. BYD Vice President Stella Li confirmed the European launch plan to British magazine Autocar, setting the stage for a 2026 arrival. While the exact model lineup for Europe hasn’t been announced, all eyes are on the U8 to lead the charge.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | 3.6 | s | Quad-motor EREV setup |
| Peak power | 880 | kW | 1,180 hp combined motor output |
| Peak torque | 1,280 | Nm | Instantaneous torque from four electric motors |
| Range (CLTC) | 180 (EV) / 1,000 (Mixed) | km | EREV with 2.0L gasoline generator |
| Battery capacity (usable) | 49.05 | kWh | LFP Blade Battery by BYD |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 5319 / 2050 / 1930 | mm | A full-size, imposing SUV |
| Wheelbase | 3,050 | mm | Contributes to a spacious interior |
| Starting price (China) | ¥1,089,000 | CNY | Equivalent to approximately $151,750 USD |
More Than Just a Car, It’s a Statement
The Yangwang U8 is designed to turn heads. It’s a massive SUV built on BYD’s E4 platform, with a bold front grille, integrated LED lighting, and a LiDAR sensor perched on the roof for advanced driver aids. It’s got all the modern luxury touches, like retractable door handles and a swing-out tailgate, but its real magic lies under the skin.
The U8’s powertrain is where things get interesting. It uses four separate electric motors, one for each wheel. This setup provides a staggering 1,180 hp and 1,280 Nm of torque, good for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 3.6 seconds. That’s supercar speed in a vehicle the size of a small apartment. Since it’s an EREV, a 2.0-liter gasoline engine is onboard, but it never drives the wheels directly. Instead, it acts as a generator to recharge the 49.05 kWh LFP battery, giving it a total range of 1,000 km. Its advanced DiSus-P hydraulic suspension allows it to actively manage body control, and yes, it can perform a 360-degree tank turn on the spot.
And about that floating trick? It’s a real feature designed for emergencies. The U8 can wade into water, seal itself, and cruise at 3 km/h. It’s a wild party piece that demonstrates just how far some Chinese EV makers are willing to push the engineering envelope.
Inside, the U8 is a tech-lover’s paradise, boasting a 23.6-inch instrument panel, a 12.8-inch central touchscreen, and another 23.6-inch screen for the front passenger. Add a 70-inch augmented reality head-up display and a 22-speaker Dynaudio system, and the cabin feels more like a private cinema than a car.
While the U8 has seen impressive initial deliveries in China, totaling over 10,000 units by June 2025, recent sales figures have cooled, with just 64 units sold in June. This suggests that even in its home market, maintaining momentum for such a high-priced vehicle is a challenge. The big question for BYD is whether European consumers, who are accustomed to legacy luxury brands, are ready to embrace a new nameplate that costs a small fortune, no matter how much tech it packs. One thing’s for sure: the arrival of Yangwang won’t be quiet.
