Get ready to have your socks knocked off, because BYD’s luxury sub-brand, Yangwang, just unleashed something truly special: the Yangwang U8L. They unveiled this beast at Auto Shanghai 2025, and believe me, it’s a fresh challenger in the executive luxury SUV world. Think of it as the already impressive U8 Luxury Edition, but cranked up to eleven with an extended wheelbase, a slick new six-seat setup, and luxury touches that aim straight for the ultra-premium market.
Stretching Out in Style: Dimensions and Comfort
The biggest news for the U8L is its size. This SUV got a serious stretch, with its wheelbase growing by 200mm to a massive 3250mm. That pushes its overall length to 5400mm, which is about 81mm longer than the U8 Luxury Edition. At 2049mm wide and 1921mm tall, this thing has presence. The elongated section behind the B-pillar especially shouts spaciousness, making room for a comfortable three-row, six-seat configuration. Your third-row passengers will thank you because legroom is no longer a forgotten luxury here. Yangwang even boasts that the U8L is longer than well-known rivals like the Range Rover and even the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. That’s a bold claim, but once you see it, you’ll understand why.
Design That Commands Attention
From the outside, the U8L keeps that distinctive U8 front fascia, drawing inspiration from the ancient Chinese “Ding,” which symbolizes prestige. But it takes opulence to a whole new level with the debut of a stunning two-tone “Obsidian Black / Sunstone Gold” paint scheme. Want to talk about elevating luxury? The front and rear Yangwang badges are crafted from 24K gold, and you can even get that gold treatment on the steering wheel emblem. Plus, the U8L rolls on sleek new 23-inch, eight-hole forged alloy wheels. These aren’t just for looks, though. They’re engineered for both luxury aesthetics and improved aerodynamics.
Around back, you’ll notice a neat detail: no externally mounted spare tire, unlike the standard U8. Instead, the U8L features a clever power-operated, vertically split tailgate. This design needs less room to open the top section, and here’s a cool party trick, the lower section, when open, can apparently support the weight of two adults, up to 200kg. Imagine that: a built-in perch for camping or taking in a scenic view. The signature segmented taillight design is still there, looking sharp, and the rear bumper gets a cleaner look too.
Under the Hood: Power Meets Precision
Beneath the luxurious veneer, the U8L is built on Yangwang’s formidable core technologies. We’re talking about the e⁴ Platform, which features quad-motor independent torque vectoring, and the DiSus-P intelligent hydraulic body control system. These advanced systems give the U8L some truly unique abilities. It can handle emergency water flotation, keep driving stably even with a punctured tire, and even perform a complete 360-degree tank turn on the spot. Seriously, this SUV moves in ways you wouldn’t expect a vehicle its size to.
Powering this luxury beast is a range-extender electric vehicle, EREV, powertrain. A robust 2.0T engine acts as a generator, feeding energy to four electric motors. Combined, these deliver an astonishing 880 kW, that’s 1180 horsepower, and a hefty 1280 Nm of torque. When you need to put the power down, this thing doesn’t hesitate.
Tech That Keeps You Connected and Safe
Inside, the U8L is loaded with smart tech. It boasts the “God’s Eye A,” or DiPilot 300, advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). With a sophisticated three-LiDAR setup, it offers features like Highway and Urban Navigate on Autopilot, automated parking, remote parking, and the innovative e⁴ parking system. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about making every drive safer and more relaxed.
A New Player in the Premium Game
Yangwang designed the U8L to complement the existing U8, specifically targeting those who prefer to be chauffeured or families looking for a large, luxurious SUV. It’s going head-to-head with established names in this segment, like the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Expect the Yangwang U8L to hit the Chinese market later this year. While pricing details are still under wraps, you can bet this level of luxury and tech won’t come cheap. But for those who demand the best, the U8L looks ready to deliver an unforgettable driving experience.
