Amphibious Chinese SUV Caught Testing in Aussie Outback

Several right-hand-drive BYD Yangwang U8 prototypes have been spotted undergoing testing in Australia’s outback, according to a post on social media website Reddit.

Designed as a luxury alternative to the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, the Chinese-made U8 was made famous by its ability to traverse large bodies of water – making it one of the only amphibious production cars ever made.

While left-hand-drive U8s were displayed in Australian BYD showrooms in mid-2024, this is believed to be the first time right-hand-drive pre-production cars have been seen on Australian soil – with one vehicle registered in Victoria, and the other in New South Wales.

Like other off-road models such as the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol, the Yangwang is built on a ladder-frame chassis, but is powered by four electric motors combining to produce a total of 880kW – for a claimed 0-100km/h time of just three seconds.

However, the U8 is technically a plug-in hybrid, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine used solely to generate electricity – giving the vehicle a claimed driving range of 1000km with a full 75-litre tank of fuel and a full battery (based on China’s more lenient CLTC standard).

Images posted online claim the vehicles were passing through Alice Springs – the largest city in central Australia.

One photo clearly shows the U8 in right-hand-drive configuration, while the other shows a vehicle lining up for the drive-thru at a McDonald’s restaurant.

The Yangwang U8 features Level 2 semi-autonomous advanced driver assistance system, thanks to its 38 sensors fitted around the vehicle – including 13 cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, five millimetre-wave radars, and three LIDARs.

Inside, there is a 23.6-inch digital instrument display for the driver, a central 12.8-inch screen for the infotainment system, and another 23.6-inch screen for the front passenger.

There is also a 70-inch head-up display spanning the front windscreen, with augmented reality. Second-row passengers also get a central screen in the console and screens in the back of the front headrests.

The Yangwang U8 also features three wireless smartphone chargers, an integrated fridge/freezer/heater in the centre console, a satellite phone, and a 22-speaker Dynaudio sound system.

While the BYD Yangwang U8 has yet to be officially confirmed for the Australian market, it’s expected the luxury four-wheel-drive will be priced from at least $250,000 when it eventually hits showrooms.