BYD’s Yangwang U7: Challenging the Luxury Car Segment
BYD’s ultra-luxury sub-brand, Yangwang, has officially launched its latest model, the U7, a mid-to-large sedan designed to compete in the Chinese luxury car market. With a starting price of RMB 628,000 (approximately $86,430), the U7 aims to offer a compelling combination of performance, comfort, and advanced technology.
The Yangwang U7 marks a significant step for BYD in its pursuit of the high-end automotive market. The model is available in both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) configurations, with different seating layouts to cater to various preferences. The five-seat version is priced from RMB 628,000, regardless of the powertrain. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the four-seat version starts at RMB 708,000, again with no price difference between the BEV and PHEV models.
Yangwang, established by BYD on January 5, 2023, is focused on the ultra-luxury segment. Previously, the brand introduced the U8 off-road SUV, priced from RMB 1.098 million, and the U9 electric supercar, starting at RMB 1.68 million. The U7 represents the latest effort by Yangwang and BYD to capture a larger share of the luxury car market.
Performance and Engineering
The Yangwang U7 boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 5,265 mm in length, 1,998 mm in width, and 1,517 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,160 mm. The U7 is built on Yangwang’s e4 technology, featuring four independent electric motors. Each motor delivers a peak power of 240 kW, resulting in a combined output of 960 kW (equivalent to 1,300 horsepower) and a peak torque of 1,584 Nm. This powerful powertrain enables the sedan to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 2.9 seconds.
The vehicle leverages its four independent electric motors to offer advanced driving capabilities. The U7 can perform tank turns and crab walk maneuvers, highlighting its technological prowess and maneuverability.
Advanced Ride and Safety Features
A key selling point of the Yangwang U7 is the DiSus-Z body control system, an advanced technology developed by BYD. DiSus-Z provides superior ride comfort, surpassing even that of maglev trains, according to BYD, and can easily handle rough road conditions. This system also enhances safety. In the event of a flat tire, the suspension automatically lifts the affected wheel, allowing the car to maintain control with the remaining three wheels and continue driving at speeds up to 80 km/h for a distance of 30 kilometers. The body control system processes data from LiDAR and camera sensors, anticipating road conditions 0.5 seconds in advance to optimize body height and damping.
Smart Driving Capabilities
The Yangwang U7 is equipped with BYD’s top-end God’s Eye A smart driving system. The smart driving solution, DiPilot 600, utilizes three LiDARs and two Nvidia Drive Orin-X chips, contributing a total computing power of 508 TOPS. The U7 will be delivered with Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) functionality for urban areas, as stated by Yangwang.
Battery and Range
The BEV version of the Yangwang U7 comes with a 135.5-kWh battery pack, providing a CLTC range of 720 kilometers. This battery can be charged from 30 percent to 80 percent in just 20 minutes, and supports the simultaneous use of two charging guns with a peak power of up to 500 kW.
The PHEV variant features a 52.4 kWh battery pack, offering a combined range of up to 1,000 km when fully charged and fueled. This extended range makes the PHEV model a practical choice for drivers seeking greater flexibility.
Market Context and BYD’s Strategy
Yangwang’s expansion into the luxury market reflects a broader shift within the Chinese automotive industry. For years, local brands primarily operated in the mid-to-low-end sectors, while the premium segment was dominated by established German manufacturers. However, the rapid growth of electrification in China has enabled Chinese brands to develop competitive products and gain significant market share in the high-end category.
As of the end of February, Yangwang had delivered 9,846 vehicles since deliveries began in November 2023, according to data gathered by CnEVPost. BYD aims to sell 5.5 million cars in 2025, including over 800,000 units in overseas markets, according to reports.
