With the introduction of Yangwang, BYD, the world’s biggest EV manufacturer, is entering the premium category. According to the Financial Times, the new BYD sub-brand is intended to compete with European premium brands such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. And it may be able to do it outside of China by selling fully-electric SUVs and supercars such as the Yangwang U8 and Yangwang U9.
BYD previewed the new brand last year, and the Chinese automaker was anticipated to launch it with the Yangwang U8, a fully-electric SUV. The off-roader resembles a Land Rover Defender, which makes sense considering the intention to attract premium vehicle consumers. However, BYD also introduced the Yangwang U9, a fully-electric supercar that can purportedly accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in two seconds. The unconventional appearance makes it seem to be a rendering or design study, but according to Automobile News China, BYD chairman Wang Chuanfu personally rolled out the car during the brand’s debut:
