BYD Yangwang U9 Testing At The Nürburgring
37In a bold move to redefine its brand image, BYD has sent its Yangwang U9 supercar prototype to the Nürburgring for testing. This step signifies BYD's serious intent to break into the luxury performance market, an arena traditionally dominated by well-established names.
The Yangwang U9, an ultra-high-performance electric supercar, has been spotted at the famed German racetrack. The Nürburgring, known for its challenging layout, is a proving ground for high-performance vehicles, and BYD’s choice to test here underscores the company's ambitions.
This strategy mirrors Hyundai’s previous efforts, where rigorous testing at the Nürburgring helped enhance its brand perception. For BYD, the Yangwang U9 is more than just a halo car; it has the specs to back up its presence on Europe’s most iconic race track.
The spy video shows the U9 aggressively tackling the track. Test drivers are seen pushing the car to its limits, accelerating quickly out of corners and braking hard with the rotors glowing red-hot as they approach tight bends.
The Yangwang U9 features four motors, each driving one wheel, delivering a combined output of 1,287 horsepower and 1,239 pound-feet of torque. Despite its weight of nearly 5,500 pounds, the U9 can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.36 seconds, positioning it among the fastest accelerating cars in the world.
While it might not outpace the likes of the Tesla Model S Plaid or the Lucid Air Sapphire, the U9 still boasts impressive performance. For instance, it completes a quarter-mile run in 9.87 seconds, a time comparable to the Porsche 911 Turbo S.
Priced at around $230,000 in China, the Yangwang U9 offers remarkable value for its performance and distinctive design. The car's aesthetics are highlighted by a massive rear wing and its advanced EV platform. The U9's suspension technology eliminates body roll in corners and can even allow the car to drive on three wheels or jump, similar to classic Citroën models. Additionally, it can charge at a rapid 500 kW, allowing a 30 to 80% charge in just 10 minutes.
The U9 draws power from an 80-kilowatt-hour BYD Blade battery pack using LFP chemistry, providing an estimated range of 289 miles on the CLTC test cycle. However, this range might be less achievable in real-world conditions, especially given the high performance demands that will drain the battery more quickly.
BYD's commitment to the Yangwang brand, which also includes the U8—a highly capable extended-range electric SUV—is evident. However, there may be a challenge when marketing these vehicles in Europe or the US. The name "Yangwang" might not resonate well with buyers willing to spend $230,000 on a vehicle, suggesting a potential rebranding might be necessary for these markets.
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