BYD spy shots show 5.5-metre luxury sedan aimed at Maybach and Phantom

Image source: 中华网

Why it matters: BYD built its reputation on affordable mass-market electric cars, and its push into ultra-luxury is a test of whether Chinese brands can win buyers who have long chosen European marques. The Yangwang badge is BYD's premium line, and each new model extends how far upmarket the company is willing to go.

BYD has released road-test photos of a new ultra-luxury executive sedan, Chinese auto site Zhonghua Net reported. The car, known internally as the HU, is expected to measure 5.4 to 5.5 metres long, making it larger than the 5.26-metre Yangwang U7.

The model sits above the U7 in BYD's line-up and is positioned as a D+ segment flagship, with the Maybach S-Class and even the Rolls-Royce Phantom named as benchmarks. Some observers have called it a Chinese take on the Phantom.

The design follows Yangwang's "ding" (鼎) styling language, with a squared-off front end and a long, level side profile. It uses rear-hinged coach doors and separate triangular rear windows, details meant to make getting in and out feel more ceremonial for back-seat passengers.

BYD's technology package includes the Yi Si Fang four-motor system, which distributes torque across the wheels within milliseconds, and the Yunian-Z active suspension, which reads the road ahead and adjusts accordingly. A roof-mounted lidar supports advanced driver assistance, and the car is expected to use second-generation Blade batteries with fast charging.

Zhonghua Net reported that the price could exceed 2 million yuan (about $282,000). Yangwang, launched as BYD's top-tier brand, began with the 1 million yuan U8 off-roader, which drew early scepticism but sold well, followed by the U9 supercar and U7 sedan.