BYD sets UAE for luxury sedan debut

BYD is preparing to launch its most expensive electric vehicle in the United Arab Emirates, a strategic pivot for the Chinese automaker. Hu Xiaoqing, general manager of the Yangwang sub-brand, confirmed this week that the global debut will occur in the Gulf state rather than in China. The company has not yet announced a specific calendar date for the event.

The automaker has expanded its portfolio rapidly over the last few years. It now sells a range of products, from entry-level electric vehicles to three-row SUVs, pickup trucks, and supercars. The brand structure includes the Dynasty and Ocean families, alongside three dedicated sub-brands: Denza, FangChengBao, and Yangwang. Yangwang sits at the top of this hierarchy and functions as a testing ground for the newest technologies.

Previous Yangwang models utilized the quad-motor e4 platform, which produces 1,300 horsepower, and the DiSus-X intelligent body control system. That system allows vehicles to jump and drive on three wheels. Hu released images of the new executive sedan undergoing testing last month. Although the vehicle was disguised, its shape and size appeared comparable to the Rolls-Royce Phantom or Maybach S-Class.

Local reports estimate the new sedan's length at approximately 5,500 millimeters, or 216 inches. Zheng Yu, Yangwang's executive general manager, stated that the car will feature "unprecedented disruptive technology," though he provided no further details. The prototype was spotted at a BYD Flash Charging station, which suggests the vehicle will support megawatt flash charging.

The sedan features rear-hinged coach doors, a design element new to the company. It is also reported to be the first model to use BYD's solid-state batteries. Stella Li, executive vice president, told Carwow.es last month that the company's first solid-state battery vehicle would debut in 2027. The sedan is expected to make its official debut this month.

Rumored pricing places the vehicle in the 2 million yuan range, or about $300,000. This price point sits well above the current Yangwang lineup. The U7 electric sedan starts at 658,000 yuan, or $98,000. The U8 and U8L plug-in hybrid luxury off-road SUVs and the U9 electric super-coupe round out the current offerings. The extended U8L is currently the brand's highest-priced mass-produced vehicle, starting at 1.45 million yuan, or $217,000.