Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD, through its Yangwang luxury brand, officially unveiled its most expensive offering to date on Sunday. The new Yangwang U9 is a $233,450 high-performance electric supercar positioned against Ferrari NV and Lamborghini’s gas-powered offerings.
Yangwang U9 debut
BYD recently shared the Yangwang U9’s debut video on the social media platform X, indicating that the new electric supercar will “leave the competition in the dust.”
During a livestream event in Shanghai, BYD announced plans to sell the new Yangwang U9 in its home market first before exporting it to other foreign countries.
What’s currently known about Yangwang U9?
The Yangwang U9 boasts an acceleration time of 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.36 seconds. It also has a top speed of 309.19 km/h, as per BYD.
It features four electric motors that generate a maximum output of 960kW and 1680Nm torque, approximately the same as 10 Toyota Corollas combined.
The Yangwang U9 can lean into corners, jump off the ground, resist body roll, and overcome weight transfer during heavy braking or acceleration.
“The BYD DiSus System is the first self-developed intelligent body control system launched by a Chinese automobile company, marking the breakthrough from zero to one. The BYD DiSus System will further secure the globally pioneering stance for BYD in the industry.”
BYD President Wang Chuanfu
In addition, it will ride on the same 800-volt architecture, enabling fast charging capabilities in Kia and Hyundai EVs.
About Yangwang
Yangwang is one of BYD’s two luxury brands, including the Fang Cheng Bao. Notably, its parent company is known for its affordability and sustainability.
However, a post-Lunar New Year price war is forthcoming in the Chinese market, pushing automakers to penetrate the high-end electric vehicle segment that can deliver higher margins.
In that sense, BYD expects its Yangwang brand to boost its electric vehicle sales further this year as it seeks to ultimately beat Tesla.
Yangwang will subsequently launch its other higher-priced models in the country later this year, including a premium sedan that costs about 1 million yuan.
The new luxury brand only started delivering electric vehicles in late November 2023, starting with its first production model, U8. So far, it has delivered 3,653 units as of the end of January.
