China’s Rolls-Royce Rival? Meet the New Yangwang U8L!

Yangwang, the premium division under BYD, has revealed a bold new entry in the high-end SUV category: the Yangwang U8L. Debuting at Auto Shanghai 2025, the U8L is not just a stretched version of the existing U8, but a refined evolution with significant enhancements in size, comfort, and elegance. This is Yangwang’s answer to luxury giants like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

The most noticeable change is the extended wheelbase. The U8L’s wheelbase now measures 3,250 millimeters, which is 200 millimeters longer than the standard model. Its overall length has also increased to 5,400 millimeters. The extra space translates into a larger rear section that supports a three-row, six-seat layout, offering more legroom and a first-class experience for passengers in every row.

The luxury upgrades are clear from every angle. The front design remains inspired by the ancient Chinese “Ding” cauldron, but now features a two-tone paint finish called “Obsidian Black and Sunstone Gold.” Even the front and rear Yangwang logos can be finished in 24-karat gold, as can the steering wheel badge. Rolling on 23-inch forged alloy wheels, the U8L looks striking while also improving airflow efficiency.

At the back, Yangwang removed the external spare tire for a cleaner look and added a new split tailgate that opens vertically. The lower section can hold up to 200 kilograms, making it ideal as a makeshift bench for outdoor adventures. The recognizable segmented taillights are still there, but the bumper design is now sleeker and more minimalistic.

What powers this luxury beast is a range-extended electric vehicle system. A 2.0-liter turbocharged engine works solely as a generator, sending energy to four electric motors that together produce 880 kilowatts or 1,180 horsepower and 1,280 newton-meters of torque. Yangwang’s e4 platform enables torque vectoring for each wheel, while the DiSus-P hydraulic suspension ensures unmatched ride control.

Inside, technology takes center stage with the “God’s Eye A” driver assistance system. Using three LiDAR units, it can handle highway and urban navigation, perform automatic parking, and even execute remote parking.

The U8L is aimed at luxury buyers who want presence, performance, and practicality. Designed for families and executive clients alike, it promises a comfortable ride whether you are being chauffeured or behind the wheel. Sales in China are set to begin later this year, with pricing still under wraps.