This year’s Geneva Motor Show will be a relatively low-key affair, with most of the world’s biggest car manufacturers boycotting the concept following its recent move to Qatar. But Chinese EV giant BYD will be there, complete with the equally gigantic Yangwang U8.
With four electric motors – one for each wheel for true all-wheel drive – and a 49 kWh battery pack, the opulent U8 also uses a 2.0-litre turbo petrol that acts as a range-extending generator to top up the batteries. en route.
The model was previously only destined for China, but the fact that BYD is bringing it to Geneva suggests it is gauging opinions ahead of a possible European launch.
As a reminder, the Yangwang U8 rides on a new e4 platform that is currently not shared with anyone in the group. And although the model has all the features of a colossal SUV for the urban show, in fact it is designed to handle really difficult terrain.
The U8 was previously shown performing 360 degree ‘tank turns’, where each wheel is controlled individually to effectively turn the vehicle on the spot. Additionally, Yangwang also enjoyed demonstrating its “emergency flotation” function, which keeps the vehicle on the water for about 30 minutes… like a boat.
If the U8 senses a flash flood, or if the U8 accidentally takes a dip in a nearby body of water, the windows close, the sunroof opens (to act as an emergency exit), and the wheels can turn to propel the vehicle. low speed. It’s not quite an amphibious vehicle, but it’s close.
The performance stats are also hugely impressive. There’s 1,184bhp on tap, meaning it can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 3.6 seconds, while the built-in motor means the total electric range is 620 miles, with all the trimmings.
Chinese brands are aiming for the luxury market
Yangwang may not be a name on your current EV radar, but he’s making waves in China, where his other party piece – the U9 electric supercar – is showcasing technology that allows it to jump and even drive on three wheels if you get a flat tire gets. The same technology has been carried over to the off-road U8, where it arguably makes more sense.
The U8 would cost around £120,000 (approximately $150,000 / AUS$232,000) in the domestic market, but would represent excellent value for money in Europe if it could stick to those sticker prices.
It would mean it competes directly with the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQG (or electric G-Class for short) and a fully equipped Land Rover Defender.
Whether or not the rest of the world will swallow that kind of money for a relatively unknown brand from China is another question, but the fact that BYD is displaying a slew of vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show suggests that it is seriously considering to take a punt. .