2025 Yangwang U8 Review

The Yangwang U8 represents a significant step into the luxury SUV market for BYD’s new high-end sub-brand and has recently been spotted testing in Australia ahead of its local debut.

Unveiled in early 2023, the U8 is a full-size SUV designed to combine cutting-edge technology, off-road capability, and premium comfort in a single package. With a quad-motor electric drivetrain supplemented by a petrol range extender, the U8 delivers up to 1,000 km of total range while offering features typically found in vehicles from well-established luxury brands.

Priced at approximately USD $150,000 (or around AUD $250,000), the Yangwang U8 undercuts many of its competitors, such as the Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, in price while promising similar or even greater levels of innovation. Alongside advanced off-road systems like a ‘tank turn’ function and adjustable air suspension, the U8 also features a unique ability to float in emergency situations, giving it a truly unmatched edge in extreme conditions.

We’re at BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen to test out this ambitious SUV ahead of its arrival in Australia. So, how does the Yangwang U8 stack up? Read on to find out.

How much does the Yangwang U8 cost?

The Yangwang U8 is positioned as a premium full-size SUV, priced competitively within the luxury segment while offering a unique combination of advanced technology, off-road capability, and high-end features. 

Currently, the U8 is only available in a single fully loaded trim, the Premium Edition, which comes with all the bells and whistles as standard. However, a more rugged Off-Road Master Edition is set to join the lineup, featuring additional off-road enhancements such as a snorkel (increasing wading depth from 1,000 mm to 1,400 mm), a reinforced front bumper, a detachable roof rack, and a side ladder for added practicality. 

2025 Yangwang U8 Pricing:

• Premium Edition – 1,098,000 RMB (≈ USD $150,000 / AUD $250,000)
• Off-Road Master Edition – Pricing TBC, but expected to exceed 1,100,000 RMB

Note: Prices exclude on-road costs and may vary based on regional taxes and market conditions.

What’s the exterior like of the Yangwang U8?

‍The Yangwang U8 commands attention with its bold, upright stance and imposing dimensions. It’s a large, luxury SUV designed to stand out, with a combination of striking design elements and purposeful functionality. Measuring 5,319 mm in length, 2,050 mm in width, and 1,930 mm in height, the U8 is slightly larger than a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, with a wheelbase of 3,050 mm.

The front end is where the U8 makes its strongest first impression. A diamond-pattern grille takes centre stage, housing the Yangwang badge prominently, while sharp LED headlights and intricate daytime running lights frame the SUV’s face. Below, functional air intakes and a skid plate hint at its off-road capability, but the overall look is more refined than rugged, making it equally suited to urban streets.

From the side, the U8’s boxy silhouette and clean lines give it a purposeful look. Automatically deploying side steps make entry and exit effortless, even with the vehicle’s substantial height. The 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Continental Cross Contact tyres strike a balance between style and capability, sitting snugly within its broad wheel arches. The design is understated but exudes confidence, and the tinted windows add a touch of sophistication.

At the rear, the barn-door-style tailgate with an externally mounted full-size spare wheel reinforces the U8’s off-road intentions. The LED taillights wrap around the vehicle, creating a wide, modern light signature, while the tailgate’s side hinge adds a practical, utilitarian touch.

For those who want even more capability, the upcoming Off-Road Master Edition adds features such as a snorkel (boosting wading depth to 1,400 mm), a reinforced front bumper, a detachable roof rack, and a side ladder. These additions make the U8 even more suited to extreme off-road conditions, though they don’t detract from the SUV’s clean and premium aesthetic.

The Yangwang U8’s exterior design strikes a thoughtful balance between luxury and practicality. It’s clearly built to tackle tough terrain, yet it doesn’t sacrifice the high-end touches expected from a vehicle in this segment. It looks just as comfortable rolling through city streets as it does perched on a rocky outcrop.

What’s the interior like of the Yangwang U8?

‍The interior of the Yangwang U8 is a showcase of modern luxury and advanced technology, seamlessly blending high-end materials with innovative features to create a cabin that feels both sophisticated and futuristic. From the moment you step inside, the attention to detail is apparent, with every element carefully crafted to deliver a premium experience. However, the sheer abundance of features can almost feel overwhelming, as the U8 packs in technology and luxury far beyond what you might expect.

Plush quilted leather dominates the cabin, covering the seats, steering wheel, and various touchpoints. The dashboard and door panels are accented with wood trim and Alcantara-like suede, while metallic highlights are used sparingly to add a contemporary touch. The stitching throughout is meticulous, and the materials feel robust and refined, contributing to an overall sense of quality that matches the U8’s luxury aspirations.

The centrepiece of the interior is the trio of displays on the dashboard, consisting of a 23.6-inch driver’s instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch vertical central touchscreen, and a 23.6-inch passenger screen that is cleverly designed to remain invisible to the driver. These screens are seamlessly integrated into the design, giving the cabin a clean and minimalist look. The central display controls everything from navigation and media to the adjustable air vents, while the passenger screen allows for media playback and other entertainment options, adding a unique layer of convenience and functionality.

The front seats are designed for maximum comfort, featuring heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Extensive power adjustments make it easy for occupants to find their ideal seating position, and the electrically adjustable steering column ensures the driver is just as well accommodated. The cabin also offers thoughtful touches, such as dual wireless charging pads in the centre console, ample storage solutions, and even an integrated fridge/freezer with adjustable temperatures ranging from -6°C to 50°C, perfect for keeping refreshments cool or warm on the go.

Technological highlights include a 70-inch augmented reality head-up display that projects critical driving and navigation data onto the windshield, providing a clear and intuitive interface for the driver. The cabin also features a thermographic night vision camera, enhancing safety during nighttime driving or in off-road conditions. Another standout feature is the built-in fragrance diffuser, which offers selectable scents like "Vernal Equinox" to further enhance the luxury experience. With so much packed into the cabin, it’s easy to feel momentarily overwhelmed by the sheer number of features and controls available at your fingertips.

Acoustic insulation in the U8 is exceptional, with the cabin remaining impressively quiet even at high speeds. This is complemented by the 22-speaker Dynaudio sound system, which delivers an immersive audio experience, ensuring that every note of music or spoken word is heard with crystal clarity.

The Yangwang U8’s interior is a masterclass in combining cutting-edge technology with premium materials and thoughtful design. It’s a space that feels both luxurious and practical, even if the sheer volume of features can take some getting used to. Still, for those who enjoy high-tech luxury, it’s a space that offers something new to discover at every turn.

What about back seats?

‍The rear seats of the Yangwang U8 offer a first-class experience, making them as much of a highlight as the driver’s seat. Designed with passenger comfort and luxury in mind, the rear cabin feels spacious and meticulously appointed, reflecting the same attention to detail found up front.

The quilted leather upholstery continues in the rear, providing a premium look and feel, while the seats themselves are generously cushioned with ample bolstering for long-distance comfort. Rear passengers benefit from heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, a rarity even in this segment. The extensive adjustability, including reclining functions, ensures a relaxing experience regardless of the journey’s length.

A large centre armrest folds down to reveal additional storage, cupholders, and a touchscreen control panel. This panel provides access to features such as seat adjustment, climate control, and even media settings, allowing rear passengers to tailor their environment to their preferences. The quad-zone climate control system ensures that every passenger can adjust their temperature independently, adding another layer of convenience.

Tech features in the rear are just as impressive as those in the front. Rear passengers have access to dual entertainment screens mounted on the back of the front seats, as well as a central screen integrated into the armrest. These displays allow passengers to watch media, control certain cabin functions, or even mirror their smartphones. Connectivity is further enhanced with multiple USB ports and a 220V outlet, making it easy to charge devices or power small electronics.

Space is another strength of the U8’s rear seats. With a wheelbase of 3,050 mm, legroom and headroom are more than generous, ensuring passengers have plenty of room to stretch out. The flat floor design further enhances comfort, particularly for the middle passenger, who avoids the usual intrusion of a central tunnel.

Noise insulation in the rear is exceptional, allowing passengers to enjoy the serene cabin environment or immerse themselves in the 22-speaker Dynaudio sound system. The combination of quietness, premium materials, and advanced features makes the rear seats of the Yangwang U8 a truly luxurious place to be.

What’s boot space like in the Yangwang U8?

‍The Yangwang U8 is a 5-seater SUV with a boot capacity of 1,031 litres, which is adequate for most day-to-day needs or a family road trip. Fold down the second row of seats, and this expands to 2,050 litres, offering plenty of space for bulkier items or larger loads.

However, in practice, the boot doesn’t feel as spacious as you might expect from a vehicle of this size. The high floor—due to the integration of the 49 kWh battery pack—reduces vertical storage, and while the space is wide and deep, it might struggle with particularly tall or oddly shaped items.

Access is practical, thanks to the barn-door-style tailgate, and the inclusion of a full-size spare wheel mounted externally ensures that interior space is not compromised. While the boot is functional and well-designed for everyday use, it falls short of the cavernous storage you might expect from a full-size SUV with such imposing exterior dimensions.

For most users, the U8’s boot will be sufficient, but for those expecting a truly enormous cargo area, it might feel a little underwhelming.

What’s under the bonnet of the 2025 Yangwang U8?

‍The 2025 Yangwang U8 is powered by a unique quad-motor electric drivetrain, supplemented by a petrol range extender. Each wheel is driven by its own 220kW electric motor, giving the U8 a combined output of 880kW (1,180hp) and 1,280Nm of torque, providing supercar-like acceleration despite its 3.5-tonne weight. Yangwang claims the U8 can sprint from 0–100km/h in approximately 3.6 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 200km/h.

Unlike a conventional plug-in hybrid, the U8’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine functions solely as a generator to recharge the vehicle’s 49kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. This setup delivers an impressive total driving range of 1,000km in ideal conditions, while the battery alone provides up to 180km of pure electric range (CLTC).

Charging is supported at up to 110kW DC fast-charging, allowing a 30–80% charge in approximately 18 minutes. The U8 also offers Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, capable of outputting 6kW of power to external devices, making it ideal for camping or emergency situations.

The quad-motor setup is not just about power—it also allows for advanced off-road features like Tank Turn, where the vehicle can pivot in place by spinning the wheels on each side in opposite directions. Real-time torque vectoring enables precise control on challenging terrain, ensuring maximum grip even if a wheel loses traction.

While the petrol engine’s primary role is as a range extender, its integration into the system allows the U8 to maintain efficiency in various conditions. During off-road driving, the electric motors regenerate energy through braking, further enhancing range. Claimed efficiency sits at 6.9L/100km, with an electric efficiency of 15.6kWh/100km under mixed-use conditions.

The Yangwang U8’s powertrain is a technical tour de force, delivering an extraordinary blend of performance, range, and off-road capability that few vehicles in its class can match.

However its complexity makes me think I wouldn’t want to own one after its warranty expires…

How does the Yangwang U8 Drive?

‍The Yangwang U8 delivers a refined and surprisingly engaging driving experience, even for a vehicle of its size and weight. With 880kW (1,180hp) on tap from its quad-motor electric drivetrain, acceleration is smooth, immediate, and impressively quick for a 3.5-tonne SUV. The U8 can sprint from 0–100km/h in just 3.6 seconds, offering performance levels typically reserved for high-end sports cars.

Our time driving the U8 was limited to a large carpark at BYD’s Shenzhen headquarters, so while we couldn’t push it to its limits on open roads, we got a sense of its on-road characteristics. Despite its size, the U8 feels agile and responsive. The air suspension system plays a significant role here, adapting to driving conditions in real-time. In Normal mode, it provides a cushioned, smooth ride that absorbs bumps and imperfections with ease, while Sport and Sport+ modes stiffen the suspension for improved handling and reduced body roll.

The steering is light and precise at lower speeds, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces—a welcome feature in an SUV of this scale. The quad-motor setup’s precise torque vectoring ensures the U8 maintains grip and stability, even during tighter turns or quick directional changes. This advanced system actively distributes power to individual wheels, enhancing the SUV’s overall agility.

Cabin refinement is another highlight. Even at higher speeds within the carpark, the U8 remained exceptionally quiet, with virtually no wind or road noise intruding into the cabin. The electric drivetrain operates silently, and when the range-extender petrol engine engages, it remains largely imperceptible, ensuring a serene driving experience.

The U8’s advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and a 70-inch augmented reality head-up display, add to the overall ease of driving. Though our environment was limited, the 360-degree camera system and parking aids made navigating the carpark a breeze, showcasing how well-suited the U8 is for urban settings despite its large size.

While our testing was confined to a controlled area, the Yangwang U8 impressed with its balance of performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. It’s clear that even in day-to-day on-road scenarios, the U8 is designed to deliver a luxurious and effortless driving experience. For a full evaluation, however, we’d need more time on open roads to truly explore its capabilities.

How does the Yangwang U8 Perform Off-Road?

‍The Yangwang U8 is a serious contender in the luxury off-road segment, blending advanced technology with rugged capabilities to handle challenging terrain. Built on BYD’s Dual Mode Off-Road (DMO) platform, the U8 benefits from a robust ladder-frame chassis, adaptive air suspension, and cutting-edge features that make it a standout performer in its class.

The 3.5-tonne weight of the U8 does present some challenges in specific off-road scenarios, such as deep mud or loose sand, where lighter vehicles might have an edge. However, the U8 compensates with its quad-motor electric drivetrain, which delivers real-time torque vectoring to ensure optimal grip on any surface. This precision in power distribution allows the U8 to maintain traction even in difficult conditions, while features like the Tank Turn—which lets the vehicle pivot in place—aid in manoeuvring tight spaces.

Wading depth is another highlight, with the standard U8 capable of fording up to 1,000 mm of water. The Off-Road Master Edition takes this further, increasing the wading depth to 1,400 mm thanks to its snorkel and reinforced design. In extreme situations, the U8 can also float for up to 30 minutes at a speed of 3 km/h, allowing it to navigate flash floods or deep water crossings safely.

Despite its size and weight, the U8 remains incredibly comfortable off-road. The adaptive air suspension smooths out bumps and ruts, absorbing shocks to provide a plush ride for all occupants. The cabin remains eerily quiet, even on rough terrain, thanks to excellent insulation and the silent operation of the electric drivetrain. Passengers are cushioned from the jolts and vibrations typically associated with off-road driving, making the experience more akin to gliding over obstacles than tackling them head-on.

The U8’s technology also shines off-road. The 360-degree camera system and augmented reality displays make navigating tricky terrain intuitive, offering clear visuals of obstacles and terrain contours. These tools are particularly valuable in low-visibility scenarios or when navigating narrow paths.

Another innovative feature is the tire blowout stabilisation system, which automatically adjusts power distribution to compensate for a punctured or damaged tire. This ensures the U8 remains stable and controllable even during unexpected incidents

While the U8’s weight means it’s not the most agile off-roader, it is undeniably capable and delivers a level of comfort and versatility that few competitors can match. Whether climbing steep inclines, wading through water, or traversing rocky trails, the Yangwang U8 combines innovation and luxury to redefine what a high-end off-road SUV can achieve.

What do you get with the Yangwang U8?

‍The 2025 Yangwang U8 comes packed with an extensive list of features designed to deliver luxury, cutting-edge technology, and off-road capability. Available in a single fully loaded trim as of now, it provides a comprehensive suite of equipment, with a special Off-Road Master Edition offering additional rugged enhancements for more demanding adventures.

2025 Yangwang U8 Features Highlights

Premium Edition Highlights:

• Quad-motor electric drivetrain (880 kW total output)
• 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol range extender
• Adaptive air suspension with up to 285 mm ground clearance
• Tank Turn feature for tight manoeuvres
• Advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and a 70-inch AR head-up display
• 23.6-inch driver display, 12.8-inch central touchscreen, and 23.6-inch passenger screen
• 22-speaker Dynaudio sound system
• Heated, ventilated, and massaging front and rear seats
• Quad-zone climate control
• 1,000 mm wading depth
• 360-degree camera system with augmented reality visuals
• Integrated fragrance diffuser and thermographic night vision
• Emergency floating mode for up to 30 minutes at 3 km/h

Off-Road Master Edition Adds Over Premium Edition:

• Increased wading depth to 1,400 mm with snorkel
• Reinforced front bumper for enhanced protection
• Detachable roof rack and side ladder for additional practicality
• Unique rugged styling elements to differentiate from the standard trim

Is the Yangwang U8 safe?

‍The Yangwang U8 has not yet been rated by ANCAP, but it received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating in 2024, demonstrating strong crash safety and advanced driver assistance performance.

Safety features include a tire blowout stabilization system, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. These are supported by 38 sensors, including 3 LIDAR units and multiple cameras, for 360-degree awareness.

The ladder-frame chassis and cell-to-chassis battery design enhance structural rigidity, while multiple airbags provide occupant protection. For off-road safety, features like emergency float mode and a 360-degree camera system add extra peace of mind in challenging conditions.

Final thoughts on the Yangwang U8‍

The Yangwang U8 isn’t just a luxury SUV—it’s a statement of what’s possible when cutting-edge technology meets bold ambition. As BYD’s flagship offering under its new luxury sub-brand, the U8 aims to redefine expectations in the segment.

With its quad-motor electric drivetrain, advanced off-road systems, and high-end interior, the U8 delivers on its promise of being both innovative and capable. The fact that it can achieve 1,000 km of range, perform a Tank Turn, and even float in emergencies highlights its versatility. Add to this a well-appointed cabin brimming with tech and comfort, and the U8 feels genuinely unique.

However, the 3.5-tonne weight does pose challenges in some off-road scenarios, and while its boot space and warranty support are competitive, the complexity of its systems could raise questions about long-term ownership costs.

At approximately AUD $250,000, the U8 undercuts traditional competitors like the Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, offering more features and capability for less. Yet, its success will depend heavily on how buyers perceive this ambitious newcomer, especially in a market dominated by legacy brands.

For those who value innovation, luxury, and all-terrain capability, the Yangwang U8 is hard to ignore. Its bold design and technological prowess signal a bright future for BYD’s luxury ambitions. Whether it’s on-road, off-road, or simply standing still, the U8 leaves a lasting impression. It’s not just a car—it’s a conversation starter.