BYD‘s luxury sub-brand, Yangwang, today unveiled the Yangwang U8L at the Auto Shanghai 2025, presenting a new contender in the full-size executive luxury SUV segment. Building upon the foundation of the U8 Luxury Edition, the U8L features a stretched wheelbase, a new six-seat configuration, and enhanced luxury appointments, aiming to challenge established players in the ultra-premium market.

The most significant change is the U8L’s increased dimensions. Its wheelbase grows by 200mm to 3250mm, contributing to an overall length of 5400mm (+81mm compared to the U8 Luxury Edition), a width of 2049mm, and a height of 1921mm. This substantial increase in size, particularly noticeable in the elongated section behind the B-pillar, allows for a spacious three-row, six-seat layout, promising greater comfort for third-row passengers. Yangwang notes the U8L’s length surpasses rivals like the Range Rover and even the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Visually, the U8L retains the U8’s distinctive front fascia, inspired by the “Ding,” an ancient Chinese cauldron symbolizing prestige. However, it introduces a new level of opulence with a debut two-tone “Obsidian Black / Sunstone Gold” paint scheme. Further elevating its luxurious appeal, the front and rear Yangwang badges are crafted from 24K gold, an option also available for the steering wheel emblem. The U8L rides on new 23-inch, eight-hole forged alloy wheels designed for both luxury aesthetics and reduced aerodynamic drag.

At the rear, the U8L distinguishes itself by omitting the externally mounted spare tire found on the standard U8. It adopts a new power-operated, vertically split tailgate design. This configuration requires less space to open the upper section, while the lower section, when opened, can reportedly support the weight of two adults (up to 200kg), offering a potential perch for outdoor activities like camping or scenic viewing. The signature segmented taillight design carries over, and the rear bumper has been simplified.

Underpinning the U8L are Yangwang’s core technologies: the e⁴ Platform (quad-motor independent torque vectoring) and the DiSus-P intelligent hydraulic body control system. These systems enable the U8L to retain the U8’s unique capabilities, including emergency water flotation, stable driving even with a punctured tire, and the ability to perform a 360-degree tank turn on the spot.

Propulsion comes from a range-extender electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain. A 2.0T engine acts as a generator, feeding power to four electric motors that deliver a combined output of 880 kW ( 1180 horsepower) and 1280 Nm of torque.

On the technology front, the U8L features the “God’s Eye A” (DiPilot 300) advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). Utilizing a three-LiDAR setup, it supports functions such as Highway and Urban Navigate on Autopilot (NOA), automated parking, remote parking, and the e⁴ parking system.

Yangwang positions the U8L as a complementary model to the existing U8, specifically targeting the chauffeur-driven and family-oriented segments of the large luxury SUV market currently dominated by overseas brands like the Mercedes-Benz GLS.

The Yangwang U8L is expected to go on sale in China later this year. Pricing details have not yet been announced.