In China, BYD launched the brand new Yangwang U7, its new flaghship saloon car that is available in either fully electric or plug-in-hybrid. The full EV version has four electric motors, all wheel drive and 1,287hp. Yangwang is a sub-brand of BYD and focuses on high end luxury vehicles and the new U7 will join the existing U8 hybrid SUV and the U9 electric supercar.
The Yangwang U7 is on sale now in China, with prices starting at 628,000 yuan ($86,500), going up to 708,000 yuan ($98,000) at the top end.
The electric version of the U7 comes with four electric motors, capable of producing 1,287 hp and 1,680 Nm of torque. 0-62mph is rated at 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 167mph. The PHEV variant comes with a 2.0-ltre petrol engine as well as four electric motors.
For the EV, Yangwang has used BYD Blade batteries, with a total capacity of 135.5kWh. This gives a range of 720km (447 miles) when tested on the CLTC cycle. For charging, two sockets are fitted, which can be used at the same time for total of 500kW and 30-80% takes just 20 minutes.
The PHEV version has a similar set up to the U8 SUV, with 52.4kWh of BYD Blade batteries and a 60 litre fuel tank. When tested on the CLTC cycle, range is quoted at 1,000km (621 miles). DC fast charging is also impressive, rated at 230kW with one charging socket. This means 30-80% takes 10 minutes.
The U7 comes with a lot of screens, inside is a super large 23.6-inch screen for the driver information, 12.8-inch infotainment screen, 6-inch screen for the passenger and two large 12.8-inch screens for the rear seats. Elsewhere the rearview mirror is digital and there are two interior monitoring cameras.
Yangwang has also built in the infamous tank turn from the U8, as well as rear wheel steering and high-speed tire blowout stability. When a flat tyre is detected, the car is able to life the wheel off the ground that has a flat and drive on three wheels. This is a temporary measure though, as it is limited to 80km/h for 30km (18 miles).
The new Yangwang U7 is on sale now in China, with no clear information if it'll come to the UK.
