BYD launching Yangwang premium model in 2023 with off-roader

BYD goes upmarket, saying it would launch a brand new premium model within the first quarter of 2023.

The brand new model will probably be referred to as Yangwang, which interprets to “search for”.

In an announcement reported by Reuters, Yangwang autos will probably be priced between 800,000 and 1.5 million yuan (A$171,850 to $322,219) – making them the most costly autos produced by BYD – and the model’s first mannequin will probably be an off-roader.

As BYD has ceased manufacturing of typical combustion-powered autos, Yangwang will provide electrified autos – although whether or not it presents a alternative of plug-in hybrid or battery-electric autos or simply the latter is unclear.

Spy images printed by Chinese language media reveal the primary Yangwang mannequin to be a bluff, upright SUV within the vein of a Land Rover Defender, Mercedes-Benz G-Class or GWM Tank 300. Like these fashions, the spare tyre is positioned on the tailgate.

In contrast to these fashions – or certainly any BYD automobile – there seems to be a particular, dual-cowl-type dashboard with an expansive and seemingly curved portrait-oriented touchscreen.

Chinese language outlet Yiche experiences the Yangwang SUV will provide quad-motor all-wheel drive, with an electrical motor driving every wheel.

The report additionally makes point out of a tank flip perform, like on the Rivian R1T and R1S, in addition to a patent BYD has filed for a “floating” mode that may assist it wade at better depths.

Yangwang fashions’ pricing will put them properly above BYD’s present flagship choices, the Han sedan and Tang crossover.

BYD is having fun with document gross sales, with volumes tripling within the first 10 months of this yr to 1.4 million. That’s regardless of its discontinuation of combustion automobile manufacturing in March 2022 in favour of an solely PHEV and EV line-up.

It wouldn’t be the primary Chinese language automaker to spin off a extra upmarket, SUV-focused model.

Nice Wall Motor has two: Wey for (principally) crossovers, and Tank for extra rugged, body-on-frame SUVs. Fashions from the latter are anticipated to launch right here subsequent yr, albeit with GWM Tank badging.

Chery has its Jetour model, and can also be readying a brand new, blocky off-roader referred to as the T-1 with significantly Defender-esque styling.

It’s due in 2023, and can provide petrol, hybrid and electrical powertrains. It’ll be the primary in a spread of T-Sequence autos for the Jetour model.