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Puerto Banús, where luxury and eccentricity are everyday sights, had something remarkable leave bystanders gawping on Wednesday: the Yangwang U8, a massive plug-in hybrid 4×4 which floats from Chinese automaker BYD’s luxury division, executed a stunning 360-degree spin on its own axis almost as if it were performing a Michael Jackson moonwalk.
In a city where luxury is the norm, the high-performance electric car, which can float on water and maneuver with only one wheel touching the surface, has turned many heads.
The Yangwang U8, which was unveiled in China 2023, redefines the capabilities of a vehicle. It is 5.32 meters long, 2.05 meters wide and almost 2 metres high, weighing more than 3,000 kilograms. This vehicle combines power with the latest technology. Four independent electric engines (one for each wheel) combined with a 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol motor, as a range extension, produce an astounding 1,200 horsepower. The U8 is a compact SUV that can accelerate from 0 to 100% in just 3.6 seconds. It has a range of 1,000 km and a Blade battery powered by 49 kWh with fast charging capabilities.
As seen in Puerto Banús, Chinese car that can float and moonwalk
Its versatility is what everyone loves. The “Tank Turn’ function allows the vehicle to rotate (see below video), much like a real tank. This is perfect for parking in small spaces or on difficult terrain. It is also possible for the U8 to float on water at up to 3 km/h and travel there for 30 minutes. This is something no other hybrid car can do. It has been shown in tests that it can move on minimal ground contact. This redefines off-road performance.
The U8 interior is a luxurious masterpiece, with six HD screens and Nappa leather. There are also 22 speakers in the Dynaudio audio system. Headrest massage, rear-seat tablets, and 12.8 inch OLED touchscreens ensure maximum comfort. The drone can be fitted with advanced LIDAR technology and a roof-mounted sensor to help monitor the traffic.
The vehicle is still not approved to be used on European roads. BYD, the parent company, is looking at changing its name to “Yangwang”, as it has been deemed inappropriate for non-Asian countries, particularly English-speaking ones.
