Beyond Setting Record Lap Times
BYD’s premium sub-brand, Yangwang, is taking a different approach from its parent company’s reputation for rapid growth and electrification. Over the past year, Yangwang has focused on performance and technology of the U9 supercar, producing numbers that rival established luxury brands and drawing attention for more than just its unusual name.
However, Yangwang isn’t just chasing Nürburgring lap times or headline-grabbing specs. The brand is also working on luxury vehicles designed for everyday use, and the upcoming Yangwang U7 battery-electric sedan is a clear example. It still offers supercar-level power, but what stands out most is the claimed driving range of up to 625 miles.
China’s MIIT
A Massive Battery for Headline Range Figures
As reported by CarNewsChina, recent filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) reveal how BYD aims to deliver those range numbers for the updated Yangwang U7 BEV. The main change is a new 150.01 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate Blade battery, with a 135.5 kWh version also available. On the CLTC test cycle, the larger battery is rated for 625 miles, while the smaller one is listed at about 497 miles.
The U7 doesn’t have the biggest battery out there – the GMCHummer EV still holds that title with about 212 kWh. What’s more notable is the U7’s range claim, which beats the Lucid Air Grand Touring’s 512-mile EPA rating. It’s important to remember that the U7’s numbers come from the CLTC test cycle, which tends to be more optimistic than the EPA standard.
Even with the larger battery, the weight difference is modest. The 150.01 kWh pack weighs about 926 kg (2,041 lbs), just 44 lbs heavier than the 135.5 kWh version.
BYD
A Follow-Up to the PHEV Version
The Yangwang U7 BEV comes after the plug-in hybrid version, which appeared in filings last year. That earlier model stood out for its range-extender setup using a flat boxer engine – not for extra performance, but simply to generate electricity and extend range.
The BEV version gives buyers another option in the luxury sedan space in the markets where it will be sold. It uses four motors for close to 1,300 horsepower, advanced suspension and driver-assist tech for comfort and stability, and a large battery to cut down on charging stops. With moves like this, it’s clear why Chinese automakers are getting more attention from established brands.
BYD
Â
