Yangwang Sells a 1287-HP Super Sedan for Under $90K in China

Yahoo

28-03-2025

The Yangwang U7 is a supersedan from China with a surprisingly reasonable price.
The U7's quad-motor electric powertrain churns out 1287 horsepower, and the U7 can also be had as a range-extender plug-in hybrid.
Sales of the U7 just began in China, with prices starting at around $86,000 at current exchange rates.
Electric vehicles have truly democratized power. Engines making 800-plus horsepower were once reserved for only the most exotic supercars, but now potent electric powertrains can be found in everything from luxury sedans such as the 1234-hp Lucid Air Sapphire to pickups like the 1025-hp Rivian R1T Quad-Motor. In China, automotive giant BYD has begun selling its latest electric beast, the Yangwang U7, a sleek sedan with 1287 horsepower and a starting price that equates to less than $90,000 at current exchange rates.
BYD introduced the Yangwang brand in 2023, and yes, the name is bound to elicit a few snickers from those with a juvenile sense of humor. But Yangwang has cranked out some of China's most interesting cars since its arrival, starting with the brash, decadent U8 SUV and dramatic U9 supercar. Both produce well over 1000 hp, look sharp, and feature neat gimmicks: the U8 can act as a boat in emergency situations and the U9 can jump thanks to a trick active air suspension.
While both the U8 and U9 start north of $150,000, the U7 brings absurd performance at a more attainable price. The four electric motors—one for each wheel—combine for 1287 hp and 1239 pound-feet of torque, enough for the sedan to blast from zero to 62 mph in a claimed 2.9 seconds en route to a 167 mph top speed. That's a stellar result, especially since the U7 is a bit porky. It weighs around 6800 pounds and measures 207.3 inches long, about eight inches longer than a Porsche Panamera.
A 135.5-kWh battery provides 447 miles on a charge, although that figure came via China's optimistic CLTC test cycle and would be shorter using the EPA's test procedure. The battery can charge at up to 500 kW and Yangwang claims it can charge from 30 to 80 percent in under 20 minutes, although given the claimed peak power draw, that time seems a bit longer than we'd expect.
The U7 brings other goodies too, like rear-wheel steering and the DiSus-Z suspension system, which utilizes linear actuators instead of a traditional hydraulic damper like the DiSus-P system in Yangwang's other models. Along with providing an ultra-smooth ride and being height-adjustable, the system can stabilize the U7 if a tire blows by lifting the affected wheel and driving on the remaining three. The God's Eye driver-assistance system, meanwhile, makes use of three lidar sensors, five radar sensors, 13 high-definition cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. This all combines to provide Level 2 hands-free driving capability.
The cabin is dominated by rich red nappa leather and a trio of screens, with a 12.8-inch central display augmented by a 23.6-inch digital instrument cluster and a 6.0-inch screen for the front passenger. Available in four and five-seat configurations, the front chairs are 20-way adjustable and are ventilated, heating, and massaging. Along with a pair of 12.8-inch screens, the rear passengers get foldout tables and a mini refrigerator, and there are even "temperature sensing" armrests meant to keep you from getting too hot or cold. There's also a 23-speaker sound system.
If you're not quite ready to commit to an EV, the Yangwang U7 is also offered as a range-extender plug-in hybrid. The PHEV retains all four electric motors—now hooked up to a 52.4-kWh battery—but adds a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four, chosen for its low, compact design. The battery alone provides 124 miles, and when the gas engine kicks in the U7 can travel 621 miles.
It's a shame that the Yangwang U7—with its combination of handsome styling, brawny powertrain, capable suspension, and luxurious cabin—will almost assuredly never be sold here. And while it may not be entirely fair to compare the price directly to what's available in the U.S., it's hard to not be envious of Chinese EV shoppers when they can buy a vehicle as comprehensive as the U7 for less than $100,000.
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