BYD’s new luxury electric sedan hits showrooms to challenge Tesla and Porsche

Can BYD challenge Porsche, Mercedes, and Tesla? With its new “million yuan” ($140,000) Yangwang U7 launching later this year, BYD hopes to do just that. Ahead of its official launch later this year, BYD’s new luxury electric sedan is hitting dealerships in China.

After launching Yangwang last year, BYD’s luxury brand is already creating hype. Yangwang introduced its first vehicle, the U8 off-roader, last September.

The luxury SUV, a Range Rover Defender and Mercedes G-Class rival, starts at $150,000 (1,098,000 RMB).

BYD also launched its first electric supercar, the Yangwang U9, earlier this year. With nearly 1,300 hp, the electric supercar can sprint from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in 2.36 seconds. That’s faster than a Ferrari SF90 Stradale and Buggati Chiron.

The Yangwang U9 was spotted racing around the Nurburgring last month, showing off its sleek design and aggressive power (You can watch the video here).

Meanwhile, Yangwang is adding another electric model to its luxury lineup. The U7, BYD’s first luxury sedan under the Yangwang brand, is hitting showrooms in China.

Meet BYD’s new luxury electric sedan

Based on the same e4 platform as the U9 sports car, the U7 packs four electric motors for over 1,300 hp total. Powered by a 135.5 kWh Blade battery, the U7 gets up to 497 mi (800 km) CLTC range.

With its new DiSus-Z suspension, the electric sedan features a smoother, more efficient ride (It can also do dance moves).

You can see several design influences from the U9, including similar headlights and LiDAR on the roof. Its sporty, aerodynamic design enables an ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.195 Cd. In comparison, Tesla’s Model S has a drag coefficient of 0.208.

BYD’s new luxury electric sedan will rival the Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, and others in its segment.

At 5,265 mm long, 1,998 mm wide, and 1,517 mm tall, the Yangwang is slightly longer and taller than the Taycan (4,963 mm long, 1,966 mm wide, and 1,381 mm tall) and Model S (4,980 mm long, 1,964 mm wide, and 1,440 mm tall).

BYD will officially launch the Yangwang U7 later this year as it expands into new segments like pickups, supercars, and mid-size electric SUVs.

Although BYD was topped by Tesla as the best-selling EV brand globally in Q2, new research suggests it could take the title back by the end of the year.

The automaker launched the 2025 Dolphin EV on Monday with a bigger battery for more range. It is one of its top-selling models, starting at $13,700 (RMB 99,800).

BYD also signed a deal to build a $1 billion EV plant in Turkey this week as it expands the brand overseas.

Source: CarNewsChina, Yangwang