China’s rapid ascent in the electric vehicle market is about to hit Europe’s luxury segment with full force. Leading the charge is Yangwang, the ultra-premium marque from Chinese EV giant BYD—a name that’s already turning heads with technology-laden machines designed to rival the best from Bentley, Porsche, and even Ferrari.
Launched in 2023, Yangwang represents the pinnacle of BYD’s engineering ambition. Sitting above both the core BYD range and the newly formed Denza premium sub-brand, Yangwang has so far unveiled two jaw-dropping models: the U8 luxury SUV and the U9 electric supercar.
The U8 is anything but conventional. This mammoth SUV boasts over 1000bhp, outpaces a BMW M3, rotates 360 degrees on the spot using its quad-motor setup, and—remarkably—can even float on water in emergency situations. It’s a technological showcase meant to highlight what BYD’s proprietary platforms and hardware can really do.
Shortly after, the U9 arrived with even more to prove. A pure-electric hypercar with a top speed north of 240mph, the U9 isn’t just blisteringly fast—it’s also theatrically innovative. Thanks to a fully hydraulic suspension system, the car can jump in place, balance itself on three wheels, and perform stunts that wouldn’t look out of place in a sci-fi film.
While both models have been available in China for nearly two years—priced at approximately £120,000 for the U8 and £200,000 for the U9—they remained largely aspirational curiosities for the European market. That was, until now.
Speaking to Autocar, BYD vice president Stella Li confirmed that Yangwang will be entering Europe, with plans underway following the 2025 debut of Denza on the continent. Li stopped short of revealing a launch timeline but confirmed the U8 and U9 are slated for European release, alongside new models like the U7—a quad-motor, all-electric super-saloon boasting 1250bhp, 1237lb ft of torque, and a 0-62mph sprint in just 2.9 seconds. Designed to rival the Lotus Emeya, the U7 signals Yangwang’s continued push into ultra-high-performance territory.
With this bold move, BYD is on course to become the first Chinese automaker to compete in Europe’s top-tier luxury performance segment. However, pricing strategies remain a looming question. While Chinese-market versions offer significant value, the challenges of right-hand drive conversion, export tariffs (including a 17% EU EV tariff), and positioning within a fiercely competitive luxury space could push European prices closer to or even above established rivals like the Bentley Bentayga or Ferrari 296 GTB.
Nonetheless, Yangwang’s arrival could redefine perceptions of Chinese automaking prowess. With eye-popping performance, boundary-pushing tech, and undeniable presence, BYD’s flagship brand is no longer just a disruptor—it’s shaping up to be a legitimate contender.
Source: Autocar