The automotive world is buzzing as BYD prepares to unveil the latest addition to its luxury Yangwang lineup: the U8L. This beastly, elongated off-road SUV, a substantial variant of the already impressive Yangwang U8, is set to make its official debut at the Shanghai Auto Show on April 23. Enthusiasts might have already caught a glimpse, as spy shots circulated through China earlier this month.
Unleashing the U8’s Legacy
The original Yangwang U8 burst onto the Chinese market in October 2023 with a price tag of 1.098 million yuan (around 150,400 USD). It quickly made a name for itself, not just for its performance but for its unique party tricks. Imagine a full 360-degree tank turn, or even wading and floating through water in emergency situations. This isn’t your typical SUV, it’s an experience. In 2024, BYD successfully moved 7,254 units of the standard Yangwang U8, proving there’s a solid appetite for such a capable and luxurious off-roader.
Bigger, Bolder, and More Seating
The standard U8 is no slouch in size, measuring 5319 mm long, 2050 mm wide, and 1930 mm tall, with a generous 3050 mm wheelbase. The forthcoming U8L takes things up a notch. According to sources like Chinese social media platform Sohu, the U8L is expected to stretch to a formidable 5600 mm in body length. This extension isn’t just for show, it paves the way for a more practical three-row, six-seat configuration, making it a serious contender for families who crave adventure without compromising on space or luxury.
Beyond its sheer length, the U8L retains the U8’s impressive off-road credentials. It boasts an approach angle of 36.5 degrees, a departure angle of 35.4 degrees, and a minimum ground clearance of 285 mm. Maneuvering this large SUV won’t be a problem thanks to a minimum turning diameter of just 11.52 meters. And if you’re concerned about cargo, the U8l offers a substantial 1031 liters of trunk space, expandable to 2050 liters with the rear seats folded down.
Design Language and Powertrain Anticipation
Visually, the Yangwang U8L radiates luxury with its striking golden exterior paint paired elegantly with a contrasting black roof. The shield-shaped rims add a touch of rugged sophistication, and the hidden door handles maintain a sleek profile. One noticeable change from its sibling is the absence of an external rear spare tire, suggesting a slightly more refined aesthetic while still maintaining its adventurous spirit.
While BYD is keeping the official powertrain specifications for the U8L under wraps, we fully expect it to closely mirror the U8’s impressive setup. This means we are likely to see it equipped with BYD’s cutting-edge “God’s Eye” intelligent driving technology, ensuring a seamless blend of power and smart functionality. The original Yangwang U8, built on BYD’s advanced e4 platform, features a robust powertrain:
- A potent 2.0T engine.
- Four permanent magnet synchronous motors delivering a combined output of 880 kW (1180 hp) and a massive 1280 Nm of peak torque. This kind of power allows for exhilarating acceleration, something that Chinese automakers are increasingly prioritizing in their high-end models. For instance, the Zeekr 7X boasts similar impressive figures.
- A 49.05 kWh Blade LFP battery, a cornerstone of BYD’s reliable and innovative battery technology. These Blade batteries are known for their safety and longevity, key factors driving their adoption across various EV segments, even into more affordable options as seen with the new Volkswagen ID.3 with LFP battery.
- A blistering 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.6 seconds, showcasing its supercar-like performance despite its size. This puts it in the league of more performance-oriented EVs.
- A top speed of 200 km/h.
- A CLTC pure electric range of 180 km and an impressive comprehensive range of 1000 km, offering flexibility for both short electric commutes and long-distance journeys. This blend of range and performance highlights the growing versatility of China’s EV market, an area where extended-range EVs are constantly evolving.
The Yangwang U8L isn’t just a larger SUV, it’s a statement. It embodies BYD’s ambition to redefine luxury, performance, and advanced technology in the hardcore off-road segment, hinting at an exciting future where capability and opulence go hand in hand.
