This year's Geneva Motor Show will be a relatively quiet event, with most of the world's biggest automakers boycotting the format following its recent move to Qatar. But Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD will be there, along with the equally gargantuan Yangwang U8.
Featuring four electric motors, one for each wheel for true all-wheel drive, as well as a 49 kWh battery, the opulent U8 also uses a 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine that acts as a range-extending generator to recharge the batteries. moving.
Previously a model intended only for China, the fact that BYD is bringing it to Geneva suggests it is gauging opinion ahead of a possible European launch.
As a reminder, the Yangwang U8 is based on a new e4 platform that is not currently shared with anything in the group. And although the model brings together all the characteristics of a huge SUV for urban display, in fact it is designed to tackle truly complicated terrain.
The U8 has previously been shown performing 360-degree 'tank spins', where each wheel is individually controlled to allow the vehicle to effectively turn in place. In addition to this, Yangwang also delighted in showing off its 'emergency float' function that makes the vehicle stay above the water for about 30 minutes… like a boat.
If a flash flood is detected, or the U8 is accidentally submerged in a nearby body of water, the windows close, the sunroof opens (to act as an emergency escape hatch), and the wheels can spin to propel the vehicle forward. full speed. slow speed. It's not an amphibious car, but it comes close.
The performance statistics are also tremendously impressive. There's 1,184PS on tap, meaning it can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds, while the range-extending motor on board means overall electric range is pegged at 621 miles on full throttle.
Chinese brands move into the luxury market
Yangwang may not be a name on today's EV radar, but it's making waves in China, where its other standout, the U9 electric supercar, showcases technology that allows it to jump and even drive on three wheels in case. of suffering a puncture. The same technology has been applied to the U8 off-roader, where it arguably makes the most sense.
Expected to cost around £120,000 (around $150,000 / AUS$232,000) in its home market, the U8 would represent excellent value for money in Europe if it can maintain those sticker prices.
It would mean it would be in direct competition with the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQG (or electric G-Class for short) and a fully loaded Land Rover Defender.
Whether or not the rest of the world will swallow that kind of money for a relatively unknown brand from China is another question, but the fact that BYD is showing off a number of vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show suggests it is seriously thinking about taking a gamble. . .
