The U8 is the pinnacle of BYD’s technical and innovative prowess, leading the charge as Yangwang’s premium SUV. Charlen Raymond experienced the U8 in China and reports that the floating car is no longer just a pipedream.
Looking for a new or used BYD? Find it here with CARmag!
For many of us, growing up we often only considered three – four, if you include Range Rover – names in attainable automotive luxury: Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. But as times changed, so too did the options we probably, at one point, thought were not worth considering. Case in point: BYD.
Build Your Dreams is a burgeoning automotive group that has taken the world by storm since its 2005 entry into the automotive sphere. In the 20 years that followed, the 30-year-old company grew into a Chinese powerhouse currently occupying top spots when it comes to vehicle production and new energy vehicle (NEV) production and sales. Globally!
Related: Shark Headed For SA As BYD Celebrates 30th Birthday
Among its portfolio of brands and vehicles is Yangwang – a luxury arm in the same vein as what Lexus is for Toyota. And at the pinnacle of what Yangwang stands for is the luxury-ridden U8: an SUV that is not only bold in presence, but with several aces up its sleeve as it aims to not be just another premium vehicle. Following a week with BYD in its homeland China, we had the opportunity to experience the SUV in a variety of conditions, most notably floating in a swimming pool.
Yet, there was one lingering question around this 3-tonne SUV: will it come to South Africa?
A Bold Statement
When you lay eyes on the Yangwang U8, it commands attention. Its square proportions and upright stance immediately recall the Mercedes-Benz G-Class or Land Rover Defender. However, the U8 takes a more futuristic route. Its angular LED light signatures, flush door handles, and very prominent grille create a modern aesthetic that is quite imposing.
Related: The Big Unknown: BYD Wants SA To Enjoy Chinese Vehicles
The details are what stand out, though: intricate patterns etched into the grille, aerodynamic accents around the mirrors, and a massive 22-inch alloy wheel design that somehow doesn’t seem out of place. You can go as far as saying that it’s luxury with a twist of techno-futurism. And it works.
Inside, the U8’s interior is drenched in technology and opulence. The cabin is dominated by an expansive OLED infotainment screen that runs across the dashboard, flanked by smaller displays for the instrument cluster and climate controls. Leather upholstery – available in bespoke shades – feels plush and premium, while the ambient lighting theme is designed around enhancing the interior ambience. Though the ergonomics are intuitive, the number of features and technologies can be overwhelming.
Still, BYD’s software interface feels polished, with crisp graphics and quick response times. The company is at the forefront of technological innovation, so it makes sense that Yangwang is at the receiving end of BYD’s best.
Front occupants are treated to heated, cooled, and massaging seats, while rear passengers enjoy ample legroom and reclining seats. The U8 is a 5-seater, which explains the engulfing 1 031 litres of boot space. With the second row of seats folded down, this number almost doubles to 2 050 L. This is a lot – by any measurable standards – but there are talks of a 7-seater joining the fray, which will see the number decrease slightly.
An aspect I am not particularly a fan of is the side-hinged boot. The spare wheel mounted on the fifth door is acceptable (even if it does add a bit of weight), but gaining access to the loading area requires drivers to leave a fair amount of space between the SUV and any object behind it. Having the door open upwards would be more practical.
The Maritime Twist
The U8 is powered by four individual electric motors for a staggering combined output of 880 kW. However, there is also 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that acts as support to the electric motors. It produces an additional 200 kW and continuously charges the U8’s 49.05 kWh battery. This setup not only offers eye-opening straight-line performance as it rushes towards the 200 km/h top speed, but 0-100 km/h comes up in a claimed 3.6 seconds for this 3-tonne beast.
Under the metal, the independent motor control manages the huge amount of power, making it as manageable as possible. And just for good measure, adaptive air suspension is standard, endowing the U8 with immense comfort over a variety of surfaces. Bumps are still felt, yes, but to a much lesser degree.
The real party trick, however, lies in its in-water capabilities. In addition to boasting a wading depth of up to 1.5 metres, the U8 can float and operate in water for up to 30 minutes in (NB!) emergency situations. This is achieved through a sealed underbody and buoyancy aids integrated into the design. And no, no water entered the cabin during the exhibition. However, this feature comes with an important caveat: after any water-floating use, the U8 must be booked into a BYD-approved service station for a thorough inspection to ensure that all seals and electronic components remain in optimal condition.
Range and Efficiency
BYD’s Blade battery is the best in the industry, with even Tesla coming knocking for use in its Y cars. In the U8, though, the 49.05 kWh lithium-ion battery may seem small, but it still provides the SUV with a claimed all-electric driving range of up to 180 km. But with the battery fully charged and the 75 L fuel tank filled to the brim, the U8 is theorised to boast a driving range of up to 1 000 km under optimal conditions as the powertrain’s hybrid nature comes into play. Real-world conditions should see this figure drop to a more conservative 700 km, which is still impressive considering the U8’s size.
In Summary
Truth be told, the Yangwang U8 represents a paradigm shift for luxury SUVs. BYD is at the forefront of NEV technology, and the U8 is the personification of that innovation in many regards. The U8 is earmarked for the South African market, but the expected arrival is not yet pencilled in. Still, when it arrives, South Africans will be treated to a vehicle that exudes a sense of feeling genuinely groundbreaking. And if we’d have to bet, Range Rover and G-Class owners may well consider the U8 as a first-choice alternative.
Why? This is not just a Chinese luxury SUV – it’s a global contender that underlines BYD’s persistence of pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
