BYD's Yangwang U7 debuts in China - an electric 1,287-hp sedan

BYD might be mostly known for its affordable electric cars, but the company is making another bold move into the high-end market with the launch of the Yangwang U7. This electric sedan boasts nearly 1,300 horsepower, and is designed to compete with established luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, but at a surprisingly competitive price point.

The Yangwang U7 is a large sedan, measuring 207.3 inches in length, 78.7 inches in width, and 59.7 inches in height. This makes it much larger than the Lucid Air and only 5.1 inches shorter than the BMW i7. The U7 features four electric motors that produce a combined output of 1,287 horsepower. This power translates to a 0 to 62 mph sprint in just 2.9 seconds.

The U7 is literally packed with advanced technology. The car is equipped with BYD's DiSus-Z body control system, which enhances stability and safety, even in the event of a tire blowout. The "God's Eye A" advanced driving assistance system uses three LiDAR sensors, five radars, 13 high-definition cameras, and 12 ultrasonic radars to provide Level 2 self-driving capabilities.

The power comes from a 135.5 kWh BYD Blade battery, offering a CLTC range of up to 447 miles. The U7 supports DC fast-charging speeds of up to 500 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in under 20 minutes. Inside, the U7 features a "Star Ring Cockpit" layout, BYD's DiLink smart cockpit system, and DeepSeek AI. The cabin includes a 12.8-inch curved center screen, a 23-inch instrument display, and 6-inch passenger entertainment screens.

The Yangwang U7 is available in both electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions. The five-seat electric version starts at RMB 628,000 ($87,700), while the four-seat version starts at RMB 708,000 ($94,300). This pricing is significantly lower than initial expectations, making the U7 a very competitive option in the ultra-luxury EV market.

This is already the third EV for the new Yangwang brand. The U7 joins the U8 SUV and the U9 supercar. All three vehicles stand out for their quad-motor powertrains and advanced technology.

Via