BYD Yangwang U8: we tried the incredible 1200 hp Chinese 4×4

On board, we swim in an ocean of leather. Here too, the inspiration seems to come from England, but this time the design is reminiscent of the Bentley Bentayga. The skins give off delicate scents, and the precious wood veneers (sapelli) are abundant. Assembly and finish are impeccable. It is a triple screen which is placed in front of the occupants’ eyes. The central one, rounded, overlooks the counters and the one placed in front of the passenger, giving the impression of a very long slab. The definition of these OLED displays is impeccable, but their satin surface, reminiscent of cheap electronic products, stands out in this luxurious environment.

On board, the materials have nothing to envy of the most established luxury brands. Credit: Nicolas Meunier/Challenges

All models of the Yangwang brand have a particularly sophisticated hydraulic suspension. Called DiSus-P, it uses the principle of the famous Citroën Hydractive suspension, to which are added a binocular camera and a lidar, capable of reading the terrain of the road. Thus, electronic management can adapt in real time to filter bitumen irregularities in the most efficient way possible. On the U9 supercar, the management even allows other fantasies: the car can jump on the spot, roll on three wheels or perform a choreography.

The Yangwang U8 benefits from a mechanism specific to this luxury brand, called e4. This number reveals the very nature of the engine, including an electric motor for each wheel. This leaves infinite possibilities: the distribution of torque wheel by wheel can transfigure road behavior, by improving traction, or by using an asymmetrical distribution, which helps the car to pivot in turns.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine acts as a range extender. It functions as a generator and is never connected to the wheels. Credit: Yangwang

One of the most spectacular capabilities enabled by this architecture is the “tank turn” function of the Yangwang U8. By turning the wheels in opposite directions to the right and left (like the tracks of a tank), this monumental 4×4 can literally turn around on itself. This is a feature shared with the very recent Mercedes-Benz G 580 EQ, all electric and also equipped with one motor per wheel. But where the German can perform his pirouette in just 7 seconds, we clocked 55 seconds with the Yangwang U8. The Chinese 4×4 seems to suffer from the maneuver: the outside rear wheel took on a worrying positive camber under the influence of the lateral force. However, the operation is spectacular… And can get out of hand off-road.

The technical architecture of the Yangwang U8, with one motor per wheel, allows you to imagine the wildest off-road fantasies. Unfortunately, the electronics act brutally, which makes maneuvering in difficult terrain particularly difficult. Credit: Nicolas Meunier/Challenges

Although we were unable to take the Yangwang U8 into the most difficult terrain, we were treated to a demonstration – as a passenger – of its crossing capabilities, on a metal obstacle course. Thanks to a torque of 320 Nm per motor, this heavy 4×4 can climb slopes of 45° (100%). Our pilot even had fun stopping the machine on a slope, before restarting, with just a slight slip of the front wheels. Impressive.

All this is coupled with electronic management, equipped with several driving modes, in the spirit of Land Rover’s Terrain Response system. On this point, the U8 has some progress to make: the autopilot, supposed to continuously maintain a low speed in difficult terrain, lacks subtlety. It sometimes acts brutally when crossing bridges, when a wheel is unhinged. This can destabilize the car in a way that is not very reassuring. It’s better to control the car “the old-fashioned way”, using the accelerator, for more fluidity.

It was on a circuit in the suburbs of Guangzhou that we were able to get behind the wheel of the Yangwang U8. As in a Land Rover Defender or a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, you sit very high. The Yangwang U8 is bulky because of its size but also because of its mass of 3,460 kg. Like the Hummer EV, it will have to count on the European exemption, which authorizes an exemption of one tonne on the battery, so as not to require a heavy goods vehicle license.

The Yangwang U8 presents interesting performances, and a radically different personality depending on the driving mode chosen. Credit: Yangwang

Behind the wheel, however, you don’t feel like you’re driving such a heavy vehicle. Already because the power is generous. Combined, the four engines can deliver up to 1,196 hp. The slightest pressure from the right foot results in a comfortable forward push… But not as impressive as one would have imagined. Weight certainly has its influence. But the power meter on the dashboard topped out at 440 kW (598 hp) during our test… Only half of what is promised on the technical sheet. This is why we didn’t feel like we were experiencing acceleration worthy of a Porsche 911… While 0 to 100 km/h is announced in 3.6 seconds!

Battery thermal management may be the cause. Like all models in the BYD range, the Yangwang U8 uses LFP “Blade” cells which are the pride of the manufacturer. Organized in strips, directly placed in the ladder frame separate from the body, they manage to offer a density similar to competing NMC batteries. But the elements, very close to each other, make it difficult to dissipate heat. We have observed on several occasions, during our tests of the manufacturer’s models, power losses (when accelerating or under load) linked to this factor. Our test model had already completed a few laps of the circuit before we took the wheel, this could be an explanation.

The Yangwang U8 uses OLED screens with impeccable definition. But their satin coating is out of step with the luxurious appearance of the interior. Credit: Nicolas Meunier/Challenges

Another factor may be the battery charge level. Unlike most BYD models known in Europe, the Yangwang U8 is not 100% electric. Its battery is limited to a capacity of 49 kWh, for a range of 145 km. Beyond that, a range extender (a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine) takes over. It never drives the wheels.

When we got behind the wheel of the Yangwang U8, it was no longer possible to use electric mode, the battery level being too low (17%). On most plug-in hybrids on the market, this battery background, associated with the action of the thermal engine, is sufficient to develop maximum power, at least for a few successive accelerations. This does not seem to be the case at BYD… Whether on this Yangwang U8 or the Seal 05 and Seal U DM-i tested on the same day.

If the performances have nothing to do with those of a Tesla Model X Plaid, the mechanical architecture of the Yangwang U8 has revealed all its promises on the circuit. In Comfort mode, this imposing SUV displays serene behavior and cushioned comfort. On the wet track, the understeer betrays the colossal mass of the machine, which remains reassuring in all circumstances. But as soon as you select Sport mode, it transforms! Suddenly, the Yangwang U8 seems to have shed at least a ton. When accelerating, it pivots instantly… with sometimes brutal reactions. Even with the ESP engaged, it crabs out of tight turns, requiring countersteering to keep it on course.

This wheel on the steering wheel allows you to select the various driving modes. Credit: Nicolas Meunier/Challenges

With a relatively soft suspension, which imposes a sensitive roll, driving on the wet circuit resembles a rodeo as fun as it is surreal. You should accelerate very gradually so as not to engage in disorderly slides. The potential is enormous, the development deserves more finesse. More than ten years ago, we drove a Honda Legend hybrid in Japan, which had a motor on each rear wheel, with the same principle of torque vector distribution. Perfectly calibrated, this sedan was truly astonishing. With so much technology and a little more work, the Yangwang U8 could probably do even better.

This luxury 4×4 gives a rather interesting overview of the state of the art of automobile technology in China. With colossal technical resources (90,000 engineers), BYD does not shy away from any complexity.

Despite obvious potential, the Yangwang U8 must progress to reach the level of a Range Rover. Credit: Yangwang

Certainly, the lack of fine tuning does not allow the Yangwang U8 to display the same excellence as a Range Rover. But it is certain that, once experience has been acquired on these completely new platforms, the Chinese giant will be able to place itself at the top of the hierarchy. This will probably only take a few years. Even if it is marketed as is in Europe (which should be the case in 2025), the Yangwang U8 is already proving to be as spectacular as it is endearing.