By DCB Editorial, July 23, 2025
BYD’s luxury new energy brand Yangwang will officially enter the European market in 2026, following the launch of BYD’s premium Denza brand, scheduled for early that year. Positioned to compete with luxury marques like Bentley, Porsche, Lotus, and Ferrari, Yangwang will likely debut in Europe with its flagship model, the U8 SUV.
The Yangwang U8 stands out for its extreme capabilities, including floating on water and sailing at 3 km/h. It features four electric motors delivering a combined 880 kW (1,180 hp) and 1,280 Nm of torque, with a 2-litre ICE generator, a 49.05 kWh battery, and a total range of up to 1,000 km. It accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and uses DiSus-P hydraulic suspension for off-road adaptability.
Yangwang was launched in January 2023 in China, with the U8 full-size EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) SUV beginning sales in September 2023. Priced at 1,089,000 yuan (about $151,750 USD), it became the most expensive mass-produced car in China.
In February 2024, Yangwang introduced the U9 electric supercar, priced at 1,680,000 yuan ($234,100 USD), followed by the U7 luxury sedan in March 2025, priced between 628,000 and 708,000 yuan ($87,520–$98,660 USD).
The U8 is equipped with a feature-packed tech-focused interior, including a 23.6-inch digital instrument panel, 12.8-inch central touchscreen, 23.6-inch front passenger screen, 70-inch AR head-up display, and 22 Dynaudio speakers. It has five seats and luxury finishes throughout.
While Yangwang has generated significant attention—showcasing at Geneva Motor Show 2024 and Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024—official confirmation of its European launch came in July 2025 from BYD Vice President Stella Li. Despite strong early sales in China (10,126 units delivered between November 2023 and June 2025), U8 sales have slowed recently, with just 64 units sold in June 2025.