- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Ar He
Yangwang U8. Waterproof electric hardcore
The Yangwang U8 is the firstborn of the new luxury electric brand Yangwang, a subsidiary of the Chinese company BYD. The electric four-engine SUV, with a power of 1,100 hp, has a waterproof body and motors. The crazy vehicle is able to turn around on the spot, is trained to move in ‘crab mode’, can ‘swim’ (overcomes a small ford) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds. This waterproof electric hardcore in China was estimated at about 145,000 dollars.
Exterior
The vehicle has an unusual, eye-catching and harsh appearance. It cannot be confused with any other car. The appearance of the U8 was designed by Wolfgang Josef Egger, a well-known artist in his circles, who previously worked as Chief Designer at Alfa Romeo, SEAT, Lamborghini and Audi. The corporate identity of the SUV called ‘Gate of Time’ combines brutal futurism and practicality. The shape of the optics is inspired by ancient Chinese vessels, the 275/60 R20 huge wheels are dictated by the functional orientation, and the overall impression is a courageous high-tech! The door handles are retractable, and the fifth door features a spare wheel, a rare, but classic solution for off-road conquerors. The SUV has turned out to be large: the body length is 5,300 mm, the wheelbase is 3,050 mm.
Interior
BYD has not yet declassified the interior of the Yangwang U8, however, judging by unofficial photos, it can be seen that the SUV will receive a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and will be equipped with a full LCD instrument panel and a large central touch screen.
Powertrains
As part of the Yangwang brand, the U8 has received a new Yisifang technology, which will be used on all vehicles of the brand in the future. Four independent motors are installed on each wheel, but these are not ‘motor-wheels’, but electric motors connected to the wheels. The power of each is 299-326 hp, the torque is 320-420 Nm, the total output is over 1,100 hp and 1,600 Nm. The brutal SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds, like a good supercar. Smart electronics automatically control the traction of each motor, while the distribution of torque between the wheels is 100 times faster than traditional all-wheel drive systems.
Off-road capabilities
There are driving modes for driving on ice, snow, desert slopes, wetlands, etc. Movement is calculated with the condition of one punctured wheel: automatic devices monitor tire pressure and, if necessary, automatically correct the position of the body, so that you could move at speeds up to 120 km/h.
The body of the 2023 Yangwang U8 is built to be waterproof, as are its engines, allowing it to surf bodies of water (the depth of the ford is not specified, but the demo video shows how the water overflows the hood). Protection against water and dust corresponds to the IP68 class. The SUV also supports ‘crab mode’ to provide greater vehicle maneuverability when driving off-road, and the vehicle makes a U-turn on the spot by rotating the wheels of each side in opposite directions.
