BYD’s Ultra-Luxury Rolls-Royce Rivaling EV Is Heading Overseas

BYD is taking its massive new flagship electric sedan global, with its debut slated for the UAE rather than its home market in China. Known for affordable EVs like the sub-$10,000 Seagull hatchback in China, the automotive giant is making a serious push into the ultra-luxury segment to challenge elite marques like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Mercedes-Maybach through its high-end Yangwang brand.

Yangwang general manager Hu Xiaoqing recently revealed testing images of the executive sedan, which features a silhouette similar to the Rolls-Royce Phantom or Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class. Local reports indicate the vehicle will measure around 5,500 mm (216 inches) in length. While a specific launch date has not been announced, the sedan is expected to make its official debut this month.

Yangwang’s executive general manager, Zheng Yu, stated that the new model will incorporate unprecedented disruptive technology, though specific details remain scarce. The ultra-luxury sedan was recently spotted at a BYD Flash Charging station, hinting at megawatt flash charging support. It also marks a brand first by adopting rear-hinged coach doors. According to reports, the flagship EV will be the first BYD vehicle to feature solid-state batteries, which executive vice president Stella Li previously noted will debut in 2027 during an interview with Carwow.es.

Prices for the upcoming flagship are rumored to start in the 2 million yuan range, translating to roughly $300,000. For context, Yangwang’s current lineup includes the U7 electric sedan starting at 658,000 yuan ($98,000), the U8 and U8L luxury plug-in hybrid off-road SUVs with the extended U8L starting at 1.45 million yuan ($217,000), and the U9 fully electric super-coupe.