BYD's Yangwang brand aims for Europe's luxury elite with floating SUVs and jumping supercars

The pinnacle of the automotive world used to be the domain of European brands since the last century. Names like Bentley, Porsche, and Ferrari have long defined what it means to build a high-performance luxury vehicle. Now, a new contender from China is preparing to enter the ring, and it's bringing some unbelievable technology with it.

The plan to launch the ultra-luxury brand in Europe was officially confirmed by BYD Vice President Stella Li, who stated the company intends to introduce Yangwang to the European market. The new brand will follow the planned 2025 launch of Denza, BYD's premium arm that sits a level below Yangwang, which is seen as the absolute peak of BYD's offerings.

First to land in Europe will be the Yangwang U8, a massive luxury SUV that seems to defy physics. This is a range-extender, meaning it uses a gasoline engine to generate electricity for its four electric motors. Combined, these motors produce over 1,000 horsepower, enabling the huge SUV to accelerate faster than a BMW M3. Thanks to its advanced individual motors, the U8 can perform a 360-degree "tank turn" on the spot, and is engineered to be able to float on water for a limited time.

If a floating SUV isn't wild enough, the brand's second offering is the Yangwang U9, an all-electric supercar. Built to compete with the likes of Ferrari, the U9 has a top speed of over 240 mph. Its most talked-about feature, however, is its sophisticated hydraulic suspension system that allows the U9 to perform some incredible feats. It can drive on just three wheels, jump off the ground while stationary, or jump over potholes when driving. It's a level of automotive theater designed to make a bold statement about Yangwang's engineering capabilities.

The assault on the luxury market won't stop with an SUV and a supercar. BYD has also confirmed that "more cars are coming," including the U7 super-sedan. This model aims squarely at high-performance electric sedans like the Lotus Emeya. The U7 is powered by four electric motors that deliver 1,250 horsepower and 1,237 lb-ft of torque. According to the company, this immense power will launch the sedan from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds, putting it in elite performance territory.

The specifications are impressive, but the crucial factor for European buyers will undoubtedly be the price. In China, the Yangwang U8 sells for the equivalent of about $152,000, while the U9 supercar commands a price of around $253,000. These figures are likely to go up a lot for the European market, and the big question is whether European consumers will be willing to pay a premium for these tech-heavy electric cars from a new brand, even one with such a spectacular and unconventional resume.

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