We don’t often get to talk about supercars from Chinese brands, but that’s about to change with the BYD Yangwang U9. This all-electric beast boasts a staggering 1300 horsepower and a starting price exceeding 1 million RMB (around $140,000).
Power and Performance
The U9 packs a quad-motor E4 electric powertrain, similar to the BYD Yangwang U8 SUV. It rides on a massive 100 kWh BYD Blade battery, offering a claimed 700 km (435 miles) of range on the CLTC cycle. However, the hefty battery also contributes to a substantial curb weight of over 5,000 lbs.
Exterior Design
The U9’s exterior is a head-turner. Measuring 5 meters (16.4 feet) in length, it surpasses a Ferrari LaFerrari. It features 21-inch wheels with wide front and rear tracks. The body combines carbon fiber and aluminum, with prominent components like a front lip spoiler and a massive rear wing (optional, with a deployable version available).
Interior
The U9 boasts electronically operated butterfly doors and a driver-centric interior. There are four screens: an instrument cluster, a central touchscreen for infotainment and climate control, a digital rearview mirror (due to the lack of a rear window), and a passenger screen for entertainment.
The center screen provides access to various drive modes, including an “E4” mode showcasing the electric powertrain options, a “tank turn” feature, and a “competition mode” hinting at a sub-two-second 0-to-100 km/h acceleration time (official figures not yet released).
Questions Remain
While the U9 offers impressive power and features at a competitive price, some questions linger. The interior materials might not match the quality of high-end European supercars. Whether the driving experience can compensate for these potential shortcomings remains to be seen.
