BYD’s Yangwang U8 electric SUV set to launch September 20

BYD’s premium Yangwang brand has let the cat out of the bag and announced the official launch of its first production vehicle, the luxury EREV Yangwang U8 SUV. It's set to launch on September 20, as proclaimed on Weibo. Mark your calendars or don't - depending on how you feel about the ongoing EV onslaught.

A peek into its history shows Yangwang made quite the splash when they kickstarted pre-sales of the U8 on April 18, coinciding with the first day of the Shanghai auto show. The price tag? A cool RMB 1,098,000 - that's just a tad over $150,000. The price might raise eyebrows, but hey, it's a luxury vehicle. And in the age of electric, luxury doesn’t come cheap.

What's interesting, however, is the choice BYD made to offer the U8 in two versions: the Premium Edition and the Off-road Master Edition. They both versions sport the same lofty price tag, but the devil, as they say, is in the details. The Premium Edition offers a more lavishly outfitted interior, while the Off-road Master Edition offers more options for customization. Tailored experiences for all!

The Yangwang U8 isn’t just a pretty face. This beast boasts a whopping 1,100 horsepower and can zoom from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds. Its CLTC pure electric range is 112 miles. Not too bad for a vehicle of its caliber. If you’re worried about running low on juice, fret not. The car has fast-charging capabilities - from a 30 percent charge to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. The U8 is an EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) and ourtesy of the onboard generator, it has a combined range of 620 miles - according to Yangwang.

For those keen on dimensions - and we know some of you are - the U8 stretches 209.4 inches in length, is 80.7 inches wide, stands at 76 inches in height, and flaunts a wheelbase of 120.1 inches. It’s a sizable vehicle that promises an unmistakable presence on the road.

A tad late to its own party, Yangwang initially teased an August launch for the U8, with September eyed for the start of deliveries. But let's not nitpick about the timing. After all, the company also showcased the Yangwang U9, a sibling in the line that, along with the U8, boasts the e⁴ technology - a notable feat, being China’s first mass-produced quad-motor independent drive technology platform. This technology offers precise control of dynamics on all wheels, thanks to its independent vector control technology.

There’s a lot to be said about the U8. Yangwang, the newly unveiled luxury brand by BYD, seems intent on making waves in the EV market. But as always, while the specs look alluring on paper, the real test will be on the roads.

Via