BYD, the renowned Chinese automaker, is preparing to introduce its premium electric vehicle (EV) brand, Yangwang, to the European market by 2026. This ambitious move will position Yangwang as a direct competitor to some of Europe’s most iconic luxury automakers, including Bentley, Porsche, Lotus, and even Ferrari. Before Yangwang makes its official debut, BYD plans to launch Denza, another high-end sub-brand, in Europe by early 2026.
Yangwang was officially launched in January 2023 in China as BYD’s ultra-luxury EV brand. Its first model, the U8 SUV, began sales in China in September 2023, quickly gaining attention due to its high price and impressive specifications. At around $151,750, the U8 became the most expensive mass-produced vehicle from a Chinese manufacturer. The brand expanded its lineup with the U9, a fully electric supercar released in February 2024, with a price tag of $234,100. The third addition to the range, the U7 luxury sedan, entered the Chinese market in March 2025, priced between $87,520 and $98,660.
Although there have been numerous speculations about the brand’s international expansion, especially into Europe, BYD remained tight-lipped until recently. Interest grew when BYD showcased the Yangwang U8 SUV at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show, and further heightened when two Yangwang models were displayed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024. Confirmation came when Stella Li, Vice President of BYD, stated in a July 2025 interview with Autocar that Yangwang would indeed be launched in Europe, following the rollout of Denza. While the full model lineup for Europe has not been disclosed, experts believe the U8 SUV will likely be the debut vehicle for the European market.
The Yangwang U8 is a large, rugged SUV built on BYD’s E4 platform, measuring 5319 mm in length, 2050 mm in width, and 1930 mm in height, with a 3050 mm wheelbase. It features an aggressive front fascia with a large grille, LED lighting, and a LiDAR sensor on the roof. Unique design elements include a swing-out tailgate and retractable door handles. The U8 is powered by four electric motors delivering a combined 1,180 horsepower and 1,280 Nm of torque. It also includes a 2.0-liter internal combustion engine used solely as a generator, and a 49.05 kWh LFP battery providing 180 km of electric range, with an overall hybrid range reaching 1,000 km. One of its standout features is the ability to float on water and propel at 3 km/h, a rare capability in the automotive world.
Inside, the U8 offers a highly digital experience with three large displays: a 23.6-inch instrument panel, a 12.8-inch central touchscreen, and another 23.6-inch screen for the front passenger. It also includes a 70-inch augmented reality head-up display and a 22-speaker sound system from Dynaudio.
According to data from China EV DataTracker, the U8 achieved 10,126 deliveries between November 2023 and June 2025. However, recent figures show a drop in sales, with only 94 units sold in May 2025 and 64 in June 2025, suggesting a possible decline in demand or market saturation in China. BYD now looks to Europe to rejuvenate interest and establish Yangwang as a global luxury contender.