BYD’s YangWang U8L: $181K SUV With Power to Drive on Water

You read that right. The brand new YangWang U8L that has just been revealed in China, might be one of the wildest, most outrageous SUVs we've ever seen. It can float in water, drive sideways with individual wheel motors, and produces more power than Ferrari. This is not your standard family SUV!

The YangWang U8L is a luxury Arm of BYD (one of China's top EV companies) and is a stretched version of the U8, one of the most gutsy vehicles in the market. The U8L is longer, has more luxury, and comes with next level technology. It is not yet available in the U.S., but the hype is undeniable and signals a unique direction for luxury SUVs in the future.

A Longer, More Premium Take on an Already Extreme SUV

The U8L is a good bit larger than the normal U8—14.6 inches (372 mm) longer, to be exact. And most of that extra length is for rear seat space. The U8L's wheelbase has increased 7.8 inches (200 mm), which creates the additional space as well as a higher-end feeling for all passengers, especially those in the second row.

Inside, the U8L has a 2+2+2 seating arrangement, which feels more like a private jet than an SUV. Unlike a private jet, however, every passenger seat is outfitted with massage, ventilation, and heating; even the armrests are heated. There is a sense that YangWang is re-defining "luxury"; it is not simply nice materials—experience and comfort matter too, even in the rear seat.

It's Built for Road, Flood and Everything in Between

While most luxury SUVs are content to drive on the highway, the U8L is prepared to drive through the harshest terrains, and even through water. The SUV still retains a unique characteristic of the U8: the ability to float on water through Emergency Floating Mode. 

While you probably won't be floating lakes for leisure, this special mode is intended to assist in vans during extreme floods or off-road conditions. The SUV also uses the four motor setup to steer while floating. It may be this survival technology embedded in the U8L could represent more than just a luxury driver and a high-end lifeboat.

A Mind-Boggling 1,180 Horsepower Under the Hood

The U8L certainly isn't lacking in performance. It has a 2.0-liter turbo engine with four electric motors—one for each wheel—that delivers 1,180 horsepower and 1,280 Nm of torque. That's more than many supercars and this is a full-size SUV.

The basis of the SUV is built on BYD's e⁴ platform, which gives each motor the potential to control its own wheel. This provides the ability to tank turn or crawl on rocks, maneuvre diagonally and drive with accuracy on ice. Little wonder this technology must have adveenturers equally excited as daily drivers who want something that feels futuristic.

Self-Driving Tech That Actually Makes Sense

The YangWang U8L also offers BYD’s latest DiPilot 600 system, which consists of the needed sensors and software to deliver semi-autonomous driving. The U8L has three LiDAR systems, multiple radar systems and cameras to understand what is happening as it approaches the road.
 
The U8L has Urban and Highway Salient Navigate on Autopilot. This means it can do the lane change when in Autopilot mode or merge traffic in Interstate Traffic. It's not self-driving yet, but it's approaching that very rapidly. The point is that the adaptive driving will become common in luxury vehicles and in particular, you can see YangWang competing with the idea of luxury auto driving features.

A Digital Lounge with Screens, Sound, and Soft Touches

When you step into the U8L, it feels more like a tech lounge than a car. Up front, there is a 23.6-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch infotainment screen, and another 23.6-inch screen for the front passenger. 

In the rear, it's even more indulgent. French stitched leather is standard for all three rows of seats, and the second row features their own control panels, and personal screens and a built-in mini fridge between their seats. If this weren't enough, it has a 22-speaker surround system, ambient lighting, and a panoramic roof. The cabin is likely a more luxurious space than the likes of your top-end Mercedes-Maybach or Range Rover SV.

Here’s the Real Message for the U.S. Market

Even without an official announcement for the U.S. yet, the YangWang U8L is already turning heads in American luxury vehicle circles. This SUV is an example of the rapid pace of development by Chinese automakers—not just catching up, but perhaps leaping ahead of legacy brands in terms of innovation and chutzpah.

Regardless of whether the U8L ends up in the States, it symbolizes a new breed of luxury. It’s less heritage, and more next-gen. It could shift the paradigm of what people consider the peak of SUV vehicles. If you think Range Rovers are top of the line, you may be in for a surprise.

BYD’s YangWang U8L SUV Specifications

Conclusion

The YangWang U8L isn’t just another luxury SUV, it’s a statement about the direction of car technology. With floating technology, supercar power and performance, and a tech-filled interior, this vehicle challenges everything we know about luxury SUVs. The U8L is created to be functional and perform in ways that very few similar vehicles can.
 
For American buyers, the U8L is a wake up call. BYD and Chinese automakers are no longer following, they are leading. Whether it reaches U.S. buyers soon, or at all, the U8L is driving the conversation about what the next generation of electric and hybrid vehicles should look and feel like.
 
If you are looking for a glimpse at the next generation of luxury cars, you will want to keep an eye on the YangWang U8L.

Source(Image / Thumbnail): carscoops