BYD’s premium sub-brand Yangwang has officially filed production documents for its ultra-luxury U8L SUV to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), revealing significant upgrades over the standard U8 model. The stretched variant adds 200mm to the wheelbase while introducing lavish 24K gold badging and a new six-seat executive cabin, positioning itself as China’s boldest challenge yet to established luxury marques.

The U8L maintains the U8’s distinctive front fascia, drawing from ancient Chinese ceremonial cauldrons to project authority. Its grille continues to feature Yangwang’s signature oracle bone script “electric” character logo, now available in genuine 24K gold plating for both front and rear emblems. New 23-inch eight-spoke forged wheels employ floating centre caps that remain upright while moving, complemented by wider 285-section tyres for enhanced road presence and grip.

At the rear, designers eliminated the spare tyre carrier to create a cleaner, more formal profile tailored for executive clients. The redesigned bumper flows into a sophisticated split tailgate system with independently operable upper and lower sections. The lower gate is a 200kg-rated seating platform – perfect for tailgating at business events or waterfront leisure.

Stretching to 5,400mm long with a 3,250mm wheelbase, the U8L surpasses its sibling by 200mm between axles and adds 172mm to the rear overhang. These changes facilitate an opulent 2+2+2 cabin layout focused on rear passenger comfort. Spy shots suggest Yangwang will unveil an exclusive new colour scheme at July’s Greater Bay Area Auto Show, distinct from the black/gold combination displayed at the Shanghai Auto Show.

Powering the tech experience is BYD’s DiPilot 300 “God’s Eye” autonomous system, utilising triple LiDAR arrays to deliver:

• Highway and urban navigation on autopilot
• Advanced valet parking with vehicle summoning
• Proprietary e⁴ torque-vectoring parking assist

The powertrain retains the U8’s formidable 880kW quad-motor setup with 1,280Nm torque, fed by a 2.0T range extender. Cloud-Native P hydraulic suspension maintains the model’s extraordinary capabilities, including emergency flotation and tank turns. Industry observers note the U8L’s combination of business-class refinement with extreme off-road prowess creates a unique value proposition against conventional luxury SUVs.

With production slated for late 2025, the U8L represents Yangwang’s strategic push into chauffeur-driven luxury markets. Pricing is expected to approach 1.5 million yuan (205,000 USD), reflecting its position as China’s most technologically advanced luxury vehicle.