Yangwang U8: A Car That Can Swim?

The automotive world never ceases to surprise, and the Yangwang U8 is no exception. If you’ve ever found yourself accidentally driving into a lake, ruining both your clothes and your car, this vehicle might just be the answer. Claiming to float for up to 30 minutes, the Yangwang U8 can even propel itself out of the water by spinning its wheels – or so the manufacturer says.

For those unfamiliar with the name, Yangwang is a luxury brand under BYD, the Chinese automaker known for its innovation. While there are currently no concrete plans to bring the U8 to European shores, executives are reportedly considering it. The fact that UK journalists have already had the opportunity to see the vehicle suggests that this may not be far off.

Before you ask, it’s worth noting that “Yangwang” isn’t pronounced as it looks. The “ang” syllable is closer to the soft “aww” you’d use when seeing something cute. However, whether this name will be kept for the European market is still up for debate. The brand was only launched a year ago in China, and while the name loosely translates to “looking up at the stars,” the company doesn’t seem too attached to it.

The U8 itself is far from being cute, resembling a blend of a Land Rover Defender and something a little more sinister, like the Kia EV9’s darker twin. The vehicle is packed with an array of gadgets, making it a tech enthusiast’s dream.

One of its standout features is its ability to function as a semi-amphibious vehicle. While it’s only designed for emergency water escapades, and a trip to the garage is recommended after any swim, it’s still an impressive feat. In addition, the U8 is capable of performing ‘tank turns’ – rotating on the spot like a military tank – and boasts an active hydraulic suspension system. For those seeking more everyday luxuries, the armrest cubby can be adjusted to temperatures ranging from 60°C to -5°C.

Mechanically, the U8 is equally impressive. Built on a ladder chassis, this off-roader features a 295bhp electric motor at each wheel. Its approach, departure, and breakover angles are comparable to those of the Ineos Grenadier, making it a serious contender for off-road enthusiasts. Despite its electric motors, the U8 isn’t a fully electric vehicle. Instead, it operates as a plug-in hybrid with range-extending capabilities. Weighing in at around 3,500 kg, the vehicle would require an enormous battery to achieve a practical range if it were a pure EV. Instead, it features a 49kWh battery – similar to the one found in the smaller BYD Dolphin – coupled with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that powers a generator. On the Chinese driving cycle, the U8 offers an electric range of 112 miles and achieves a fuel economy of between 20 to 30 mpg.

The interior of the U8 elevates it above other BYD models, offering genuine nappa leather and wooden veneers rather than the imitation materials typically found in the brand’s cars. While the dashboard design has clear nods to Bentley’s styling, it doesn’t quite reach the same level of luxury – there’s a little too much plastic, and the wood finishes are somewhat reminiscent of the Allegro Vanden Plas. Nevertheless, it’s a spacious, high-quality cabin with wide, adjustable, and comfortable seats.

Of course, no modern luxury vehicle would be complete without an abundance of screens. The U8 doesn’t disappoint in this regard, with numerous screens, although none rotate. The centre display is curved to fit the dashboard, giving it a sleek look. However, as this was a model designed for the Chinese market, none of its streaming services were accessible, and the software had been hastily translated into English. The interface, while familiar from other BYD models, features a few new upgrades, including a permanent bar at the bottom for shortcuts and climate controls. This improvement in usability is expected to roll out to existing BYD models via an over-the-air update.

With its eye-catching design and high-tech features, the Yangwang U8 certainly stands out as a unique entry in the luxury SUV market. Whether it will make waves outside of China remains to be seen, but if it does, it’s sure to turn heads – both on land and, quite possibly, in water.