The global automotive industry has been transforming in recent years with a shift towards EVs. In this changing landscape, Chinese automakers have made significant strides, and one brand that is making waves is YangWang, the premium brand of BYD, one of China's most prominent car manufacturers which became the world's largest producer of plug-in hybrids some time ago. At the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition last month (April 2023), YangWang unveiled its latest creation, the U9, a fully electric supercar that is set to take the world by storm. While the car will undoubtedly find a market in China, it is clear that YangWang has set its sights on conquering the global market, particularly in Europe and eventually in North America.
In fact, for years, Chinese automakers have been trying to expand their reach beyond their home market, and the U9 is a clear indication of their intentions. With its sleek and modern design, cutting-edge technology, and impressive performance, the U9 is a serious contender in the world of luxury electric vehicles. However, the big question is whether Chinese automakers can compete with the likes of Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and traditional giants like Ford and GM, and to what extent people will choose this brand over the classic brands.
1 Ultimate Performance Beast
The YangWang U9 is an absolute powerhouse of an electric supercar. With a quad-motor setup that boasts up to 322 Horsepower for each wheel, the U9 delivers a total output of 1,288 Horsepower. This immense power allows the car to achieve jaw-dropping acceleration times, with claims that it can reach 62 MPH in just two seconds, putting it in the same league as other high-performance supercars like the Rimac Nevera. This 62 is a bit strange because it is based on testing from 0 to 100 Km per hour, but if you take it to exactly 60 Miles you’ll see that it can reduce even the barrier of 2 seconds. These numbers are yet to be fully verified, but if they are true, the U9 would easily be among the most powerful and fastest-accelerating cars in the world.
2 It Can Ride On Three Wheels And Even Dance
The YangWang U9 is more than just a powerful electric supercar: it is also equipped with a cutting-edge suspension system known as DiSus-X that allows the vehicle to perform some truly impressive maneuvers. With this advanced system, the U9 can not only adjust the damping and stiffness of its shocks but also adjust the height of the car by up to 5.9 inches. It can even lift all four wheels off the ground simultaneously, giving it the ability to drive on three wheels or even make dance-like jumps from a standstill. This novel system is a significant step forward for the car industry and could potentially set the trend among high-end electric vehicles. If the system proves to be reliable, it could give BYD a significant advantage in the international market.
3 Futuristic And Aerodynamic Profile
The YangWang U9's design is also highly aerodynamic, a feature that many Chinese automakers have been focusing on in recent years. In fact, the U9's design is on par with some of the most aerodynamic cars on the market today and its body is sleek and sporty, reminiscent of a Lamborghini or Ferrari. Additionally, the U9's large rear spoiler (added for the Shanghai presentation) and central shark fin add to its aerodynamic properties, providing downforce and improving stability at high speeds. The front headlights, designed to look like claws or pincers, are functional and aesthetically pleasing. On the other hand, the U9 has Lambo-like scissor doors, as you would expect from any car at this level of luxury, which gives it a defiantly luxurious look. The overall impression is that of a solid and fearless car.
4 A Specialized Brand: Precision Is Guaranteed
The decision of BYD to create a specialized brand for their premium cars, like YangWang, implies an explicit intention to achieve a high level of segment development. The YangWang U9 is a perfect example of this approach, showcasing the company's high-precision technology specifically designed for this model. It generally happens that a common brand builds a luxury car from time to time or that a luxury brand is dedicated to making high-end cars. However, BYD decided to take another path: to create within its own bosom a specialized brand that deals with this kind of cars and, moreover, only electric cars. In this way, it ensures a level of detail and technical research that is difficult for other companies to achieve and that prepares BYD for the market of the future.
5 Yisifang System: A Promising Development
The YangWang U9's Yisifang powertrain is one of the most impressive features of this electric supercar. The system is composed of four electric motors, one for each wheel, and it's a high-tech setup that allows the U9 to achieve its impressive performance numbers while also providing added durability and reliability. The power generated by the motor on each wheel results in extraordinary acceleration and power delivery. This unique setup also gives you exceptional handling and control, as the power can be distributed to each wheel independently, resulting in optimal traction and stability. The Yisifang system is just one of the many technological advancements that BYD has brought to the U9, but it probably explains much of its future success. It will be necessary to wait and see how it competes against such advanced systems as Tesla's, to give an example.
6 The U9 Is A True Bargain!
The YangWang U9 is not only a high-performance luxury car, but it also comes with an affordable price tag. The exact figures may vary over time, but currently, this supercar costs around one million yuan, which is roughly $145,000. This puts it at about one-third of the value of the Lamborghini Revuelto, for example, with which it could compete. If all the claimed virtues of this Chinese car turn out to be true, it could completely revolutionize the global market in this segment by offering luxury cars at a much more accessible price for anyone. Undoubtedly, this will be a challenge for the entire industry, especially for classic Italian car manufacturers, as they may have to rethink their pricing strategy and compete in terms of quality and features rather than just brand name and heritage.
7 Hard To Roll Over
The YangWang U9 includes a comprehensive safety system. For example, one of its main features is the e4 Platform, which allows for unprecedented stability control through real-time wheel torque regulation. Additionally, the U9's body sealing technology (and the IP68-rated waterproofing) enables it to float on water, which will be a major feature of the U8, but which will also be present in the U9 (as a way to ensure driving under extreme climatic conditions). The car also boasts an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) which is likely to include features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. In any case, the extreme stability of the vehicle and all the technology developed to build it guarantees a very high level of safety, on par with the best.
8 Highly Competitive Range
The YangWang U9's estimated range is around 435 miles per charge, which is quite impressive: while it may not be as high as the Lucid Air's incredible range, it is comparable to several Tesla models. It's worth noting that many Western luxury car brands are only just beginning to venture into the world of fully electric luxury vehicles, having focused mainly on hybrid models with limited electric range until now. This new development from BYD through YangWang could completely change the rules of the game and bring luxury electric vehicles to a wider audience. It will be interesting to see how other luxury car brands respond to this challenge and whether they will be able to match or surpass the YangWang U9's impressive range: what is certain is that they will try with all their might.
9 An Out-Of-This-World Electrical System
The electric system of the YangWang U9 is certainly impressive, considering that it is an electric car with over 1,000 horsepower, as stated above. To achieve this power, it requires a battery that can work with around 820 kW. It is true that this number may not be as high as other electric supercars like the Lotus Evija, Aspark Owl, or Pininfarina Battista, but it still puts the YangWang U9 in the same league as many Ferrari and Lamborghini models. Moreover, this electric powertrain provides smooth operation to ensure an unparalleled driving experience. On the other hand, electric powertrains are generally more reliable and require less maintenance compared to traditional gasoline engines or even hybrids, which can be a significant advantage for a high-performance vehicle like the YangWang U9.
10 The U9 Arrives At Just The Right Time
China's booming automotive market over the last few years can be a significant advantage for the YangWang U9. With a focus on electric vehicles, China's market has rapidly grown to be one of the largest in the world. In fact, according to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), China is the largest electric car market, accounting for more than half of the world's sales (this rapid growth is due in part to government incentives that promote the use of electric vehicles). With such a large and growing market, it makes sense for BYD to invest in developing and producing electric cars like the YangWang U9. If it lives up to its potential, the YangWang U9 could become a key player in the global electric vehicle market, particularly if it is made available for sale outside of China.