Chinese electric-vehicle (EV) maker BYD seems to be going for the jugular with its YangWang U8, which was launched on January 2023.

The all-electric sport-utility vehicle (SUV) is poised to take on established luxury marques like Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz with its ladder-frame chassis and four electric motors.

Each motor powers one wheel for a combined output of 1,115 PS and over 1,627 Nm of torque. This means the enormous U8 can do 0 to 100 km/h in just three seconds.

YangWang said the SUV also features a torque-vectoring system, which distributes the torque to the wheel that can handle it, and can turn on its axis like a battle tank.

In addition, the U8 has something called “floating water mode” that helps it pass through deep floods more effectively, with the help of its sealed, waterproof underbody.

Dramatic box

The YangWang U8 looks similar to the current-generation Land Rover Defender, which is expected to be available as an EV by 2025.

However, the Chinese SUV distinguishes itself with its dramatic front fascia. The large grill is bracketed by huge LED headlights that look like they came from an ancient Egyptian crypt.

Down the side, gloss black is used on the roof and the fairly small fender flares, which have neat details like character strakes at the rear parts.

The U8’s back end is no less eye-catching, with old-school 4x4 things like a tailgate-mounted spare wheel accentuated by the large, two-layer LED taillights.

Much like its supercar sibling, the YangWang U9, this SUV is priced at around 1 million yuan or around ₱8.11 million, as of press time.

Do you think BYD can beat the likes of Land Rover with its fast electric SUV?