Yangwang, a Chinese automotive brand, is making waves in France with its high-performance U8 SUV, showcasing over 1,000 horsepower. Alongside, the Yangwang U7 electric sedan aims to rival Tesla and Porsche, featuring BYD’s innovative Blade battery for rapid charging and impressive discharge capabilities. The U7, powered by four motors delivering 1,306 horsepower, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds. With a sleek design and competitive pricing, it positions itself as a strong contender in the luxury electric vehicle market.
Yangwang: A Rising Star in the Automotive World
The Chinese automotive brand Yangwang is gradually gaining recognition in France, and one of the key players in this ascent is the remarkable U8. This high-performance SUV boasts over 1,000 horsepower and made a splash at the recent World Cup in Paris. Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to experience this powerhouse firsthand during our visit to China.
Introducing the Yangwang U7: A New Contender in the Electric Sedan Market
Alongside the U8, Yangwang has also unveiled its stunning supercar, the U9, which we were lucky enough to see during our trip. As a luxury subsidiary of BYD, Yangwang is committed to expanding its lineup, and the latest addition is the Yangwang U7, an electric sedan that is set to compete with industry heavyweights like the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan.
Recent reports from CNEVPost shed light on the U7’s impressive features. The sedan will debut the cutting-edge Blade battery, developed by BYD. This innovative battery uses lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry and has received accolades for its safety, demonstrating resilience against impacts—a fact we witnessed during our visit to the brand’s headquarters.
What sets this new battery technology apart? The second-generation Blade battery is capable of achieving a remarkable charging power of 5.5C, which translates to a charging capacity five and a half times greater than standard rates. For instance, a 50 kWh battery could support a charging rate of up to 275 kW. This means that, in theory, drivers could charge from 10% to 80% in just 11 minutes, significantly reducing time spent at charging stations. For comparison, the Porsche Taycan takes around 18 minutes to achieve a similar charge with its 800-volt architecture. While we await confirmation on the U7’s charging capabilities, the potential is certainly exciting.
The CNEVPost article also highlights the impressive discharge power of the Blade battery, which stands at 14C. This figure indicates the battery’s ability to release energy quickly without sustaining damage—essentially, the higher the number, the better the performance. A 14C battery can safely discharge at 14 times its capacity, making the Yangwang U7 a particularly enticing option in the electric vehicle market.
In terms of performance, the U7 boasts an eye-catching technical specification. It’s equipped with four electric motors, delivering a staggering total power of 1,306 horsepower. This allows the sedan to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 2.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 270 km/h. The U7 is built on the e4 platform, shared with the U8 and U9, and there’s speculation it may even have the capability to drive on three wheels and perform tight turns—though this remains unconfirmed for now.
With dimensions measuring 5.27 meters in length, 2.0 meters in width, and 1.15 meters in height, the Yangwang U7 is touted as the most aerodynamic production car globally, featuring an impressive drag coefficient (Cx) of 0.195, slightly better than the GAC Aion Hyper GT’s 0.19.
Although the pricing details for the Yangwang U7 are still under wraps, it is anticipated to be around 130,000 euros. However, European buyers may encounter higher prices due to additional customs duties, making this stunning electric sedan a noteworthy contender in the luxury EV market.