BYD Co. launched its priciest vehicle, a fully-electric supercar costing 1.68 million yuan ($233,450), on Sunday, competing with gas-powered counterparts from brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini.
The YangWang U9, priced at 1.68 million yuan ($236,000), has been launched in China. This all-electric supercar, based on the e4 platform, features BYD’s Disus X suspension system, allowing it to drive on three wheels, jump, or dance. It is powered by four electric motors, delivering a total output of 960 kW (1287 hp) and 1,680 Nm of peak torque. The U9, an AWD vehicle, can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 2.36 seconds and complete a quarter-mile drag race in 9.78 seconds. It uses BYD’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade battery pack instead of the typical NCM chemistry battery found in high-end cars.
The U9 measures 4966x2029x1295 mm with a 2900 mm wheelbase. Its 80 kWh LFP battery provides a 465 km CLTC range, supports a maximum charging power of 500 kW, and weighs 633 kg. The vehicle’s curb weight is 2,475 kg. It features an 800V architecture, allowing for a quick charge from 30% to 80% in 10 minutes and supports dual charging.
The U9 was unveiled during the YangWang brand launch a year ago, showcasing its intelligent Disus X suspension. It can perform a tank turn, and its DiPilot ADAS includes an autonomous parking assistant. The car’s lightweight body coefficient is 0.95, with a torsional rigidity of 54,425 Nm and a rear spoiler providing up to 280 kg of downforce. It rides on 21″ Pirelli P-Zero tyres.
The interior features three LCD screens with thick bezels, a three-spoke steering wheel with many physical buttons, and the DiLink cockpit system powered by a 5G and 4nm chip co-developed by BYD and Qualcomm. YangWang, BYD’s high-end brand, has previously released the U8 SUV and plans to launch the U7 sedan and a fastback SUV soon.
Pre-orders for the U9 have started, requiring a non-refundable 300,000 yuan deposit. BYD offers a 6-year or 150,000 km warranty. The U9 is expected to compete with Geely’s Lotus Emeya sedan and GAC Aion’s Hyper SSR, targeting Chinese owners of Ferrari and Lamborghini. Deliveries are anticipated to start in mid-2024.
