A Ghost From the East
Yangwang, BYD’s luxury division, has unveiled the Altior, and just as the teaser suggested, the new all-electric flagship bears a striking resemblance to the Rolls-Royce Ghost. A closer look also reveals styling cues reminiscent of the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, suggesting that Yangwang may be taking aim at buyers of these established luxury sedans.
Unveiled in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the Altior’s design takes inspiration from an ancient Chinese ceremonial bronze vessel called ding, while its name is derived from the Latin word meaning “higher.” Full specifications have yet to be released, but the Chinese marque has disclosed enough to suggest that it may have borrowed more than a few ideas from Rolls-Royce, including its signature coach doors.
Luxury Is in the Details
Yangwang states that the front doors open to a maximum of 80 degrees and the rear doors to 90 degrees. Like Rolls-Royce models, the Altior also comes with bespoke umbrellas housed within the doors, though the automaker says they take inspiration from the “Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at China’s Temple of Heaven complex.”
The interior is equipped with luxury features including zero-gravity rear seats with mechanical massage, a 39-speaker Dynaudio audio system, a 21.4-inch overhead screen, and refrigerators. It is also graced with jade accents, traditional Chinese embroidery, semi-aniline leather, natural wood, and wool carpeting.
Contrary to rumors suggesting the Altior would get a solid-state battery, the flagship EV instead uses a second-generation Blade lithium-ion battery. The vehicle offers more than 621 miles of range on a single charge based on the CLTC combined cycle, which tends to produce higher range estimates than the EPA testing cycle used in the U.S. It also supports BYD’s Flash Charging technology, which can deliver up to 1,500 kW and charge a compatible battery from 10% to 97% in nine minutes. However, charging figures specific to the Altior have yet to be announced.
Other features include four independently controlled electric motors through BYD’s e⁴ platform, tank-turn capability, next-gen DiSus active suspension, and BYD’s God’s Eye A advanced driver-assistance system.
Winning Over the Wealthy
The press release didn’t announce pricing, but according to CnEVPost, the limited-edition Yangwang Altior is expected to be priced at 2,080,000 yuan, or about $311,500 at current exchange rates. For reference, in the U.S., the Rolls-Royce Ghost starts at around $350,000, while the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 starts at $247,450.
What remains to be seen is whether the Altior can attract a meaningful number of buyers away from established luxury brands outside China, much like how more affordable Chinese vehicles have been gaining ground in various markets. Automakers such as Mitsubishi have already had to rethink their strategies amid growing competition from Chinese rivals. However, whether that success can be replicated in the ultra-luxury segment, where brand heritage and prestige remain major selling points, is another question.
