The YangWang U9 Takes on Ferrari with Uneven Weapons

BYD has delivered the first examples of its Hypercar YangWang U9, at a price that puts Ferrari in a tight spot.

YangWang, BYD’s Premium brand, was launched at the beginning of 2023. Its first vehicle for sale is a massive SUV, the U8 which features four electric motors for a combined power of 880 kW (1,197 horsepower) and can not only float but also move on water! The second model marketed by the brand had to match the extravagance of such a machine… and it really does!

The YangWang U9 is a sleek missile measuring 4.966 m long, 2.029 m wide, and 1.295 m tall. About the dimensions of a modern Formula 1. With a wheelbase of 2.900 m, it proudly displays its sporty pedigree. For proof, the fixed rear wing made of carbon fiber, which can be found in its options catalog, sits behind the shark fin wing.

Another World

Like any good electric car, the U9 is heavy with a curb weight of 2,475 kg, nearly double that of a Porsche 911. Much of this mass comes from the batteries, but you need a lot of energy to power four electric motors of 240 kW each. Combined, that’s 960 kW, or 1,305 hp, at your right foot, ready to take off in a gallop.

But the U9 also knows how to be a grand tourer with a range of 700 km in “civilian” usage. Nothing stops you from racing on the track while swallowing the 0 to 100 km/h in 2 seconds and hitting a solid 300 km/h.

Last but not least, the YangWang U9 is sold in China starting at 1,680,000 yuan, or 215,000 euros. A tenth of the price of a Rimac Nevera, or of the upcoming 100% electric Ferrari expected next year, for virtually identical performance. You might find a thermal Ferrari at that price, but don’t expect to compete in performance with the YangWang…

ALSO READ: What does the interior of the YangWang U9 with 1300 horsepower look like?