BYD Yangwang U8 – Unique AWD EV SUV With 1,100HP
BYD announced its new e⁴ quad-motor platform for performance vehicles, the first of which – a big 5-meter electric offroad SUV, and a fast hypercar – will be launched under the newly minted Yangwang brand. Unlike AWD solutions on gas-powered cars, the e⁴ platform allows for independent adjustments of the torque and vectoring of each wheel down to the millisecond timeframe, thus increasing stability, grip, and offroad capabilities.
The Yangwang U8 SUV demonstrated that when it came onto the stage in a crabwalk manner, while in the case of a tire explosion, the three remaining wheels can adjust their torque multiple times per second until the vehicle stops safely. Given the dearth of truly off-road electric SUVs, the U8 could very well become a unique proposition with its 18 feet long body that can still turn on a dime thanks to the independent torque vectoring of the wheel motors. The BYD SUV will be available first at a price equivalent of US$145,000.
