BYD launches premium auto brand ‘Yangwang’ with two production models unveiled

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On Jan. 5, 2023, BYD's high-end auto sub-brand, Yangwang, was officially launched with its core driving technology, dubbed e⁴ ("Yisifang" in Chinese pinyin), introduced at the same time.

BYD claimed the e⁴ ("4" standing for biquadrate) as China's first mass-produced four-electric-motor driving technology, which is a "golden key" the company designs to offer users extreme safety. It will be applied in the entire model lineup of the Yangwang brand.

Photo credit: Yangwang

The e⁴ is a system that powers the vehicles through four independent electric motors instead of relying on the steering wheel to make a turn.

Compared to the power system of traditional oil-fueled vehicles, the Yisifang technology can better control the vehicle's movement through an electric driving system with a stronger perception capability that allows real-time wheel torque regulation.

The e⁴ provides users with greater safety redundancy. For instance, in the event of a flat tire, the system will accurately regulate torques of the rest three wheels at 1,000 times per second, so as to stabilize the vehicle's movement swiftly.

In addition, the e⁴-powered models will feature an exceptional power performance with their electric motors capable of a maximum rotational speed of 20,500 rpm and a peak output of 1,100hp.

Thanks to BYD's self-developed highly integrated electric motors, this technology enables a vehicle to realize 360-degree steering on the road surfaces with strong adhesion, like asphalt roads.

At the brand launch event, two production models under the Yangwang brand, the U8 and the U9, made their debut as well, both of which are equipped with the e⁴ technology.

Yangwang U8; photo credit: Yangwang

The Yangwang U8 is marketed as a new energy hardcore off-road SUV priced around 1 million yuan ($145.514 million), measuring over 5 meters long and 2 meters wide. The new model adopts the "Gate of Time and Space" design language, which merges futuristic elements with hardcore styling.

With an IP68 waterproofing rating and the body sealing technology, the Yangwang U8 is able to float on the water.

Yangwang U9; photo credit: Yangwang

The Yangwang U9 is positioned as a 1 million-yuan-level all-electric supercar, which can make 0-100km/h acceleration in around 2 seconds, said the company. It also features the "Gate of Time and Space" design language.