This is BYD’s Yangwang U8L Dingshi Edition, positioned as a “full-size executive luxury SUV”. Its pre-sale is scheduled to start on July 31 in China.
Dingshi in Chinese) refers to an era or family with a prominent status and prosperous scene, similar to the concept of “prosperity”.
The overall design of the Yangwang U8L Dingshi Edition is largely the same as the Yangwang U8 on sale, with minor adjustments. Its length is 372 mm longer, the wheelbase is 200 mm longer, and the interior adopts a six-seat layout. For reference, the Yangwang U8 has a price tag of 1.098 million yuan (150,000 USD). The Yangwang U8L Dingshi Edition features a 24K gold-plated brand logo that represents the word “electricity” in ancient Chinese oracle bone script. The external spare tire has been removed from the rear. The advanced driving assistance system is expected to come from BYD’s “God’s Eye” A (DiPilot 600) three-lidar system that can realize highway NOA, urban NOA, and automatic parking assistance. The nominal length is 5400 millimeters width is 5400 millimeters and height is 1921 millimeters, respectively, and the wheelbase is 3250 The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, one of the largest German electric SUVs, measures approximately 5,125 mm in length, 1,959 mm in width, and 1,718 mm in height. Similarly, the BMW iX, another premium electric SUV, comes in at around 4,953 mm long, 1,967 mm wide, and 1,695 mm tall. Even the Audi Q8 e-tron, which is part of Audi’s large luxury SUV lineup, measures about 4,915 mm in length, 1,937 mm in width, and 1,633 mm in height. Can this give a tough competition to these cars? Some say they can but then again the U8L is expensive as well. respectively, and the wheelbase is 3250 mm. As for the powertrain, the Yangwang U8L Dingshi Edition is still expected to be equipped with a 2.0T plug-in hybrid system, matched with four front and rear electric motors that each output a maximum power of 220 kilowatt (295 horsepower).
Compared to a traditional gasoline-powered SUV, it pollutes less, but not as little as a full battery-electric vehicle (BEV). In EV mode (short trips or city driving), it can run completely emissions-free, just like a pure electric car.
When the engine kicks in, it does burn fuel — so CO₂ and other emissions are produced, though likely less than a similar gas-only SUV, especially over mixed driving cycles.
Also, because it uses a relatively small 2.0L engine for such a large vehicle, most of the heavy lifting is done by the electric motors. So overall emissions are much lower than, say, a V8-powered off-roader.
Other technologies such as BYD’s e4 (Yisifang) platform which ensures that each wheel can be driven independently by its own motor. This offers unparalleled vehicle stability, real-time torque vectoring, and the ability to maintain control even if one or more wheels lose traction. Whether navigating rugged terrain or slippery roads, the e4 platform provides a level of safety and agility that traditional systems can’t match. and DiSus-P suspension system are also expected to be standard to realize features including all-terrain tank turns, tire blowout stabilization, and emergency flotation on water. DiSus-P suspension system works like magic:
Hydraulic Integration:
The DiSus-P system uses hydraulic actuators integrated into the suspension components. These actuators can adjust the height and stiffness of each wheel independently and in real-time.
Smart Sensors and Control Units:
A network of sensors constantly monitors:
Road surface conditions
Vehicle speed
Steering angle
Acceleration/braking forces
Body roll and pitch
This data is fed to a central electronic control unit (ECU), which makes instant decisions on how to adjust the suspension dynamically.
Active Ride Height Adjustment:
The system can raise or lower the vehicle depending on the driving mode or terrain. For example:
Raise the body for off-road clearance
Lower it at high speeds for better aerodynamics and stability
Roll and Pitch Control:
In sharp turns, the system can firm up the outer suspension and soften the inner side, reducing body roll. During hard acceleration or braking, it can minimize pitch, keeping the car more level.
Emergency Response:
In extreme scenarios — like a tire blowout or high-speed emergency — DiSus-P can adjust suspension loads to help maintain control or even prevent rollover.
For reference, the Yangwang U8 has a CLTC comprehensive range of 1,000 km, a top speed of 200 km/h, a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 3.6 seconds, and a fast charging time of 18 minutes to recharge the battery from 30% to 80%.
Inside, the entire interior is wrapped in leather material and will be available in black/brown and purple/gray color combinations. The cockpit continues to use a 12.8-inch OLED curved central control screen, a full LCD instrument panel, a co-pilot entertainment screen, an AR-HUD head-up display, and air-conditioning outlets that protrude on the top of the screens. Similar to the exterior, the logo on the steering wheel is gold-plated. A refrigerator is also embedded in the center console with a temperature range of -6℃ to 50℃.The interior adopts a 2+2+2 six-seat layout. The seats are covered in Nappa leather, tanned through 78 processes, according to the official. The door trim is made of teak and has undergone 27 polishing, coloring, and spraying processes. Furthermore, the second row independent zero-gravity seat comes with a control screen and an electric legrest.
So if you think about buying this you might as well want to know how well its sibling yangwang u8 did at actual drive, carsauce drove this and this is what they have to say:
On-Road Driving
Reviewers were immediately struck by the Yangwang U8’s surprising on-road performance, especially given its substantial 3.5-ton weight. Despite being in a car park, they were able to experience the vehicle’s impressive acceleration. The car’s bolsters automatically tightened during turns, providing a secure and dynamic driving experience.
Upon engaging Sport Plus racing mode and utilizing launch control, the U8 delivered an “insanely fast” acceleration, proving the might of its 1,000 horsepower (880 kW) sent to all four wheels. The air suspension stiffened significantly in sport mode, contributing to a surprisingly firm yet controlled ride. The reviewers also praised the brakes for their excellent stopping power, noting how quickly and effectively the heavy vehicle could come to a halt. The steering was described as a unique blend of light and heavy, offering a responsive feel.
Off-Road Driving
Taking the Yangwang U8 off-road revealed its extraordinary capabilities as a “behemoth ultra-luxury” vehicle. Reviewers highlighted the U8’s remarkable comfort on uneven terrain, attributing it to the sophisticated air suspension system. This system provides approximately 285 mm of ground clearance and can adjust by about 150 mm, offering immense off-road versatility.
The U8’s off-road specifications are impressive, with an approach angle of 36.5 to 37.5 degrees, a ramp-over angle of 25.5 to 26.5 degrees, and a departure angle between 35.4 and 38 degrees. These figures are considerably better than many other off-road vehicles. Despite traversing an off-road course, the cabin remained “dead silent,” enhancing the sense of luxury. The body-on-frame ladder chassis and four independent electric motors (one at each wheel) contribute to excellent wheel articulation and enable features like the “tank turn.”
Even while off-roading, the U8 demonstrated impressive fuel and electric efficiency, averaging 6.9 L/100 km and 15.6 kWh/100 km. This efficiency is attributed to its plug-in hybrid powertrain, which excels at lower speeds due to regenerative braking. The vehicle’s 360-degree camera system was also highly praised for its clarity and utility in navigating tight spots.
Wheelsboy did a test as well
Before taking the wheel of the Yangwang U8, the reviewer was given the opportunity to witness the vehicle’s off-road performance from the passenger seat. This unique vantage point allowed for a close-up view of how the vehicle tackled a variety of rugged terrain under the control of an experienced instructor. What unfolded was a masterclass in off-road engineering and software-driven vehicle control, underscoring the Yangwang U8’s positioning as not just a luxury SUV, but a true off-road powerhouse.
The Yangwang U8 confidently tackled a range of challenging obstacles, thanks to its impressive off-road geometry. It boasts an approach angle of 36.5 degrees, a departure angle of 35.4 degrees, and a breakover angle of 25.5 degrees. These measurements are critical when navigating steep inclines, sharp drops, and uneven terrain, as they determine how well a vehicle can climb over or descend obstacles without scraping its underbody. Additionally, the U8’s maximum ground clearance of 31 centimeters allowed it to maneuver over large rocks and uneven ground without difficulty. This generous clearance, combined with its sophisticated suspension system, gave it a poised and commanding presence during the off-road demonstration.
One of the most surprising takeaways for the reviewer was the comfort and support provided by the U8’s seats, even during the steepest moments of the ride. While the vehicle climbed and descended at extreme angles—up to 26 degrees—the reviewer noted that the seats held them firmly in place. This level of lateral support is uncommon in most SUVs, especially those built with off-roading in mind. Yet, the U8 delivers bolsters and ergonomics that would feel at home in a sports car. This detail speaks volumes about the vehicle’s thoughtful design, which merges high-performance capability with luxury-level comfort.
Underneath the surface, the U8 is a marvel of modern electric vehicle technology. It comes equipped with front and rear electronic locking differentials, a hallmark of serious off-roaders. However, what sets it apart is its ability to send power independently to each of its four wheels, thanks to its quad-motor setup. This level of torque vectoring is rarely seen in conventional off-road vehicles. In fact, the system is so precise and effective that it essentially eliminates the need for manually engaging the locking differentials. As the instructor guided the vehicle, it seemed almost effortless: he simply pointed the U8 in the desired direction, and the vehicle’s onboard systems handled the rest. It intelligently analyzed the terrain in real time, adjusting power delivery to ensure traction and stability at every moment.
Another highlight of the off-road experience was the demonstration of the vehicle’s advanced hill assist and hill descent control systems. When climbing steep humps, the U8 made use of its electric motors to apply just the right amount of torque, allowing it to ascend smoothly and gracefully. There was no need for pedal input—everything was automated, ensuring a seamless and controlled climb. During descent, the vehicle’s hill descent control maintained a consistent and safe speed without requiring any braking input from the driver. This level of autonomy adds a layer of confidence and convenience that is rarely seen, even in premium off-road-capable SUVs.
Overall, the Yangwang U8’s off-road performance is a testament to how far electric vehicle technology has come. With powerful hardware and intelligent software working in harmony, the U8 makes rugged terrain feel tame. Whether you’re navigating steep inclines, descending rocky paths, or simply enjoying the view from a hilltop trail, the U8 delivers an off-road experience that is both exhilarating and remarkably easy to manage. For adventure-seekers who also value comfort, control, and cutting-edge technology, the Yangwang U8 makes a compelling case as a top-tier off-road electric SUV.