BYD's YangWang U7: The Chinese Electric Sedan That's Challenging Plaid with 1,000+ HP
If you thought the electric vehicle market couldn't get any more exciting, think again! BYD's new YangWang luxury division has just unleashed its latest creation, the YangWang U7. And believe me, folks, it's not your average electric sedan – this thing packs a punch that'll leave even the mighty Tesla Model S Plaid wondering what hit it.
Now, I've been covering vehicles of all shapes and sizes for decades, and my skepticism radar is always on high alert. But when BYD starts throwing around figures like 1,000+ horsepower, I can't help but sit up and take notice. Let's poke around what makes this Chinese luxury sedan tick.
First off, this four-door coupe-like sedan, which curiously was known as the U6 before the big reveal, comes with a price tag that'll make your wallet wince – a cool $140,000 (or ¥1 million if you're in China). And while we don't have all the nitty-gritty specs just yet, what we do know is that it's designed with efficiency in mind, boasting a slippery 0.195 Cd, thanks to the genius minds at BYD and former Audi designer Wolfgang Egger.
This sleek body isn't just for show – it's built to maximize the potential of the whopping 1,006 horsepower (or 1,020 PS) generated by its quad-motor electric drivetrain. Yes - four motors! The U8 SUV, BYD's other electric offering, has a similar setup but adds a 2.0-liter petrol engine as a range extender. We're guessing the U7 doesn't need that extra juice.
Now, there's a lidar sensor perched above the windshield, which should help this sedan with its Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities. But let's not get ahead of ourselves; we all know how autonomous driving tech can be as reliable as predicting the weather in the Midwest.
Visually, the U7 shares some family traits with BYD's more budget-friendly options, like the Seal. The headlights and front DRLs, for instance, are like distant cousins, though the U7 might just be the taller, way better looking sibling.
But here's where it gets interesting. YangWang, BYD's luxury division, is throwing down the gauntlet to take on the likes of the Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S Plaid. And with a claimed 0-60 mph time of just three seconds, it's a challenge that's hard to ignore. Does it beat Tesla? Heck no. But even more powerful Lucid Air Sapphire struggles with that. 3 seconds is a reality-altering result in my book - and that book has many, many pages.
Under the sleek exterior, the U7 will be based on BYD's e4 platform, the same one that underpins the U8 and U9 models. It's got all the makings of a high-performance executive sedan, complete with frameless windows, flush door handles, and a silhouette that wouldn't look out of place in a Mercedes-Benz showroom.
But don't let the executive appearance fool you – this sedan means business. It's got 21-inch alloy wheels, an aggressive front bumper, a rear diffuser, and side skirts that look like they're made of carbon fiber. And let's not forget the LED taillight bar, tucked away under a small but purposeful trunk spoiler.
But before you start dreaming of owning a YangWang U7, don't hold your breath for it to hit US shores while European customers may have a slither of chance. Let's face it; Chinese brands still have some convincing to do with the U.S. lawmakers. But who knows, maybe one day we'll see these electric beasts prowling the streets of America.
In the ever-evolving world of electric vehicles, the YangWang U7 is a wild card worth keeping an eye on. With its jaw-dropping horsepower, sleek design, and a price that's not completely out of this world, it's a contender that's bound to stir up the electric car scene. As for me, well, I'm buckled up and ready for the ride - tickets to Beijing in hand! Let's see if this Chinese upstart can truly challenge the Plaid.
Yours truly,
Captain Electro
