BYD's Yangwang U8 ultra-luxury SUV ruled out for Australia, for now

BYD Australia has told CarExpert it has no plans to add the luxurious Yangwang U8 off-roader to its lineup, despite several examples repeatedly being seen testing on local roads.

Unveiled in 2023 as the first production model for BYD’s Yangwang ultra-luxury brand, the U8 is a 5319mm-long, large five-seat SUV powered by four electric motors.

Combined, they deliver peak outputs of 880kW and 1280Nm, enabling the 3460kg SUV to accelerate from 0-100km/h in a supercar-like 3.6 seconds.

There's also a U8L , which adds 200mm to the wheelbase and 81mm to the overall length, while gaining a third row for a total of six seats.

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While its leather-lined interior and array of large screens are part of its upmarket focus, the U8 also offers ‘crab walk’ and ‘tank turn’ functions, as well as an emergency flotation capability that allows it to remain afloat and manoeuvre in deep water for a limited time.

Starting at ¥1,008,000 (A$211,010), the U8 is sold in China alongside the B5 and B8 off-roaders, which are offered in China under the Fangchengbao brand but offered in Australia under BYD’s upmarket Denza brand.

However, multiple local U8 sightings, such as recent spots by the CarsAustralia Reddit community, are not a sign the vehicle is set for a local launch, according to the company.

“The U8 is a technical flagship with many innovative features and technologies we are assessing in local conditions, some of which may trickle down to other models that could eventually be sold here,” a BYD Australia spokesperson told CarExpert.

Previously, a camouflaged U8 was seen in the Northern Territory for what appeared to be hot-weather testing in right-hand drive guise. U8s have also been spied in regional Victoria with less camouflage.

“Whether we introduce the U8 as an additional model in our lineup at some point remains to be seen. There are many factors to consider, including but not limited to expected demand and price," said the BYD spokesperson.

Technology in the U8 includes its quartet of electric hub motors and the brand’s ‘e4 four-motor independent drive system’, which controls each wheel individually.

Such capability brings advantages for power delivery, traction and braking – and therefore stability and vehicle control – while enabling its near-360-degree ‘tank turn’ and ‘crab walk’ party tricks.

The U8 also integrates its battery technology into the chassis, making the battery part of the vehicle’s structure, while extensive waterproofing contributes to its emergency flotation capability.