BYD is venturing up-market with its new Yangwang brand and its first model will be a hardcore off-roader similar in philosophy to the Ford Bronco, Land Rover Defender, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Yangwang translates in English as ‘look up’ and was chosen because humans routinely look up to the sky when innovating and during development. In the case of the new off-roader, BYD looked at some of the market’s most significant players and thought it could design something even more impressive.
Preliminary reports suggested that the new BYD model will be supported by a body-on-frame chassis and that it will be offered in plug-in hybrid and all-electric guises. Car News China reports that the flagship model will pump out as much as 650 hp, easily out-muscling even the most potent of G-Class models.
While it is unclear if the flagship model will be the plug-in hybrid or the all-electric variant, patents reveal that the EV will feature four electric motors, one at each wheel. These motors will be controlled by a central processing system to perfectly distribute torque between them. The quad-motor system will also enable a tank turn feature, much like the Rivian R1T, R1S, and the upcoming all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQG.
The intriguing features of the new BYD off-roader won’t stop there as a separate patent indicates that it will also have amphibious abilities and will be able to float and make small water crossings.
Spy shots captured of the vehicle have revealed that it will feature a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a large central infotainment screen, air vents sitting at the top of the dashboard, and a digital instrument cluster. Meanwhile, the exterior of the SUV is quite boxy, fitting for a vehicle designed to compete with the Defender and G-Class.
The SUV is expected to sell for between 800,000 and 1,000,000 RMB ($110,700 – $138,400), making it the most expensive BYD model ever. It is tipped to be unveiled in concept form at next month’s Guangzhou Auto Show before hitting the Chinese market in the second quarter of 2023.
