Prime Highlights:
- BYD unveiled its YangWang U8 hybrid SUV at the 2024 Paris Motor Show with amphibious feature to float on water for 30 minutes.
- The U8 is driven by an incredible 1,180 hp from four electric motors, 1,000 km of range, and some of the most sophisticated off-road technology including an onboard drone and LiDAR.
Key Facts:
- The U8 comes with four 220 kW electric motors combined to provide 1,180 hp.
- The SUV comes with a 2.0L turbo engine coupled with a 49.05 kWh battery and supports high-speed charging to 110 kW.
- The vehicle accelerates 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 200 km/h.
Key Background
Chinese auto manufacturer BYD, BYD, unveiled the YangWang U8, an amphibious hybrid luxury sport utility vehicle as well as off-road thrills, during the 2024 Paris Motor Show. BYD’s YangWang sub-brand is positioned to create premium, high-technology vehicles and the U8 is a product of this arm. What stands out about the U8 is that it also comes with amphibious capability to enable the vehicle to float for up to 30 minutes. Under emergency situations, the U8 automatically shifts into emergency floating mode, raising the suspension system, closing the cabin, and opening the sunroof for emergency escape.
The off-road SUV comes with a 2.0L turbo engine and 49.05 kWh battery powering four 220 kW motors. The car boasts a staggering 1,180 hp, which makes it hit zero to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. It has an overall range of 620 miles (1,000 km) driving on electrons with 112 miles electric range only, then the rest is driven on the hybrid motor. The U8 also supports rapid charging with an 18-minute top-up of 30% to 80% using a 110 kW DC fast charger.
The off-road capabilities of the U8 are supplemented by its advanced suspension system, which increases the ground clearance by up to 15 cm (5.9 in). The vehicle is also fitted with advanced technologies such as a 23.6-inch instrument display, an augmented-reality head-up display, and passenger and driver screens. It has sumptuous features such as an inbuilt fridge, satellite phone, wireless charging, and a 22-speaker sound system.
Safety and driver aid are taken to an entire new level by the addition of LiDAR, night vision, and onboard drone support that helps the driver in traversing challenging terrain. They are supplemented by a Level 2 top-of-the-line driver-assistance system (ADAS) based on NVIDIA’s Drive Orin SoC.
The U8 is available for sale in China right now at RMB 1 million ($140,000), but BYD plans to offer it for sale in other international markets.
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