BYD – the Chinese company which had overtaken Elon Musk-owned Tesla to become the world's leading manufacturer of electric vehicles – has launched its U9 supercar under the sub-brand YangWang. Announced on November 8, 2022, YangWang is BYD's high-end sub-brand in the luxury segment, and the automaker estimates that the YangWang models would be priced in the range of 8 lakh to 1.5 million yuan ($ 1,10,280 to $ 2,06,763). In a slight deviation, the new BYD YangWang U9 is priced at 1.68 million yuan (approx. $ 2,36,000).
BYD YangWang U9: Platform, Powertrain
BYD's all-electric U9 is based on the e4 platform housing four electric motors, each of which can be specced at 21,000rpm. Meanwhile, the combined power and torque figures stand at 1,282bhp and 1,680Nm, respectively. BYD says the U9 can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 2.36 seconds, with 0 to 400m dash possible in 9.78 seconds. The supercar's top speed is rated at 309.19km/h, while the official lap time stands at 2:17:65 minutes – about 10 seconds less than the Porsche Panamera Turbo.
The electric motor draws power from an 80kWh lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) Blade battery, which is said to facilitate discharging and cooling functions and is compatible with 500kW dual plug-in ultra-fast charging technology – allowing you to plug in two charging guns at the same time. The battery, which weighs 633kg, can be charged from 30% to 80% in 10 minutes.
BYD YangWang U9: Suspension
The BYD YangWang U9 is fitted with an all-new intelligent body control system called DiSus-X, which was unveiled at a technology launch event held in Shenzhen (China) in April 2023. The advanced suspension system enables the supercar to dance to music with a single click, jump off the ground, and even drive on three wheels.
The BYD's DiSus-X system is divided into three categories - the Intelligent Damping Body Control System (DiSus-C), the Intelligent Air Body Control System (DiSus-A), and the Intelligent Hydraulic Body Control System (DiSus-P). According to BYD, the DiSus-X allows the U9 supercar to achieve the maximum adjustable suspension travel of up to 75mm, while the maximum power of 36kW (48bhp) aids the system to lift each axle with a speed of 500mm/s.
BYD YangWang U9: Aerodynamics, Exterior
Moreover, the YangWang U9 comes with 12 sets of active and passive aerodynamic packages, with a drag coefficient of 0.95. The two-seater supercar measures 4,966mm in length, 2,029mm in width, and 1,295mm in height. The wheelbase stands at 2,900mm. Its face is characterised by a massive grille, a sloped bonnet line, and slim LED headlamps underlined by a splitter. In profile, the car sports 21-inch Pirelli P-Zero tyres and gullwing doors. At the rear, it has LED tail lights with a dot matrix arrangement, a GT3-style wing, as well as a spoiler with a downforce of up to 280kg.
BYD YangWang U9: Interior
The YangWang U9's Super Carbon-fibre cabin is made of different materials. This, combined with the next-generation CTB technology, is claimed to offer unprecedented torsional stiffness of 54,425Nm while ensuring comprehensive travel safety, with a single-side compressive load of the roof exceeding 11 tonnes. There are multiple LCD screens on offer: two 10.25-inch displays (one for the driver and one for the passenger) and a 12.3-inch central infotainment screen. Other bits are a three-spoke steering wheel, two 14-way adjustable seats, a Dynaudio Evidence Series audio system, and DiPilot ADAS.
The U9's cockpit, called DiLink, is powered by a 4nm 5G chip. BYD claims it features an intelligent racing assistance system, providing extensive track driving services with detailed information on nearly 30 racetracks across China.
BYD YangWang U9: Rivals
In terms of market rivalry, the BYD YangWang U9 will take on the Lotus Emeya and GAC Aion’s Hyper SSR while also eyeing Ferrari and Lamborghini.
After YangWang U9, What's Next?
YangWang's "flagship" sedan, the U7, will be available for purchase in China during the second half of 2024. Price-wise, the new electric sedan will ask for ¥1 million (roughly Rs 1.16 crore). Revealed in January 2024, the BYD YangWang U7 is claimed to be among the most aerodynamic passenger cars to enter production, with a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.195.
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