BYD’s high-end brand, Yangwang, has officially started delivering its U7 all-electric luxury sedan across China. In a symbolic gesture, BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu was on hand to personally give the first keys to customers in Chongqing, marking a bold new chapter in the electric luxury wars. The U7 isn’t just another EV, it’s a 1,300-horsepower statement piece aimed directly at Germany’s finest.
The Yangwang U7 arrives as the brand’s third model, joining the U8 SUV and the flashy U9 sports car. With a starting sticker of 628,000 yuan ($87,150 USD), it’s priced to challenge titans like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. But instead of just copying the formula, BYD is leveraging its deep expertise in electric technology to forge a different path.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | 2.9 | s | Official manufacturer claim |
| Peak power | 960 | kW | Equivalent to 1,287 hp from four electric motors |
| Top Speed | 270 | km/h | Electronically limited |
| Range (CLTC) | 720 | km | China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle |
| Battery capacity | 135.5 | kWh | Supplied by BYD’s own FinDreams Battery |
| Wheelbase | 3,200 | mm | Long wheelbase configuration |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 5360/2000/1515 | mm | A large D-segment flagship sedan |
| Starting price | ¥628,000 | CNY | Approximately $87,150 USD |
Electrifying Power Meets Surprising Agility
The U7 packs a brutal punch with its quad-motor setup, delivering a combined output of over 1,300 horsepower. This isn’t just for straight-line speed, though its 2.9-second 0-100 kph time is certainly impressive. The real magic lies in how it uses that power. The car can perform on-the-spot “tank turns,” rotate on a fixed wheel, and even slide sideways for effortless parallel parking.
For a car this large, city driving shouldn’t be this easy. Thanks to a clever bidirectional 20-degree intelligent rear-wheel steering system, the U7 boasts a turning radius you’d expect from a tiny compact car, not a flagship sedan. It’s a practical feature that makes navigating tight urban streets far less stressful. For highway cruising and safety, the “God’s Eye A” advanced intelligent driving system uses three LiDAR sensors and sophisticated algorithms to enhance both driving and parking convenience, putting its tech on par with other luxury brands.
Floating on Magnets: The DiSus-Z System Explained
BYD calls the U7 a “four-electric” flagship, referring to its integrated battery, motors, control systems, and the groundbreaking DiSus-Z electromagnetic suspension. This system is a true world-first for automobiles, borrowing its core principles from the electromagnetic catapults on aircraft carriers and maglev trains.
So, how does it work? Instead of relying on traditional hydraulic fluid, DiSus-Z uses powerful magnetic motors at each corner. These motors convert electricity directly into kinetic force. Sensors constantly read the road surface and the suspension’s movement, feeding data to a central computer. This brain then tells the motors exactly how much force to apply to counteract vibrations in real time.
The result is a ride where the car’s body feels like it’s “floating” above the wheels, effectively isolating passengers from bumps and road imperfections. It’s a huge leap forward in comfort. As a bonus, when road forces push back on the magnetic motors, the system can convert that kinetic energy back into electricity, helping to recharge the battery. It’s an innovation that redefines what an electric suspension can be, moving completely away from the fluid-filled systems of the past century.
A True Contender in the Luxury Arena
The Yangwang U7 is much more than a collection of impressive specs. It’s a confident challenge to the old guard of luxury sedans. While it competes on size and presence with the German flagships, its core technology and ownership proposition are distinctly Chinese. BYD’s vertical integration, from battery manufacturing to software development, gives it a unique advantage in a rapidly evolving market. With deliveries now rolling out, the U7 isn’t just a concept anymore, it’s a reality on the road, ready to prove that staggering performance and next-generation comfort can come from unexpected places.
