BYD Reveals 1,000-HP-Plus Porsche Taycan Sedan Rival

Chinese automaker BYD’s new upmarket Yangwang brand reveals its third production model, a 1,000-hp-plus electric-powered luxury sedan aimed at rivaling performance variants of the BMW i5, Mercedes-Benz EQE and Porsche Taycan.

Set to go on sale in China during the second half of 2024, the 4-door model is based on BYD’s e4 platform – the same structure that underpins Yangwang’s U8 SUV and U9 supercar.

The styling of the U7, created under the direction of former Audi design boss Wolfgang Egger, adopts cues already seen on the U9, including flamboyant C-shaped headlamp graphics (pictured, below), structured flanks and full-width tail lamp. It also reflects a family resemblance with other BYD-branded models, including the Seal, and accommodates wheels of up to 21 ins. in diameter.

BYD U7 front 1.0

The U7 rides on a wheelbase that is 10.2 ins. (259 mm) longer than that of the Porsche at 124.4 ins. (31,160 mm). Officials with the Chinese automaker claim the new model will be among the most aerodynamic efficient cars to enter production with a drag coefficient that betters the i5, EQE and Taycan at 0.195.  

In a posting to its official WeChat channel, BYD’s Yangwang brand describes the U7 as a “NEV” or “New Energy Vehicle” – a term used by Chinese automakers to describe both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric models – saying it would offer over 1,000 hp from four electric motors.

It is not known yet if the new all-wheel drive BYD sedan will feature a range extender powertrain, as used by the U8 SUV, or a pure electric drivetrain, as found in the U9 supercar.

The range extender drivetrain of the U8 combines a 2.0L gasoline 4-cyl. with four electric motors and a 49.1-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery. It develops 1,180 hp, with the internal combustion engine acting purely as a generator to charge the battery when required.

The all-electric drivetrain used to power the U9 uses four electric motors in combination with a 100.0-kWh LFP battery, developing 1,100 hp.

BYD says its flagship Yangwang sedan will cost upwards of RMB1 million ($139,500) in China.