BYD is known for animating the EV market in the PRC, and even rivaling Tesla in terms of production and even market share. The Chinese mogul, renowned for its suave vehicles and lithium-ion batteries, has diversified its portfolio through several endeavors, including Yangwang. The latter is a sub-branch of BYD, that specializes in making high-end electric vehicles, including the U9, a 1,100 horsepower juggernaut with a price tag below $150,000.
More than just a competitive offering, the Yangwang U9 has become a practical tool for BYD to showcase its latest engineering prowess. Instead of doing laps around the racetrack, the supercar has instead taken to more unconventional practices, such as dancing, jumping in the air, and driving on three wheels. These feats are achievable through BYD’s DiSus System, a new suspension technology that we’ve decided to explain in more detail.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various BYD press releases.
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The U9 Has A Few Tricks Up Its Sleeve
The real attention-grabbing trait of the Yangwang U9 is not its fancy, bombastic design, or its flamboyant scissor-doors, but rather its ability to dance, ride on only three wheels, and even jump in the air. Yes, you read that right. More than just a gimmick, these “tricks” help showcase the technological potential of the DiSus Suspension System, which we’ll introduce shortly after.
Look Ma, No Fourth Wheel!
This first clip shows the U9 hopping around before the camera finally reveals it’s actually missing the front right wheel. This, again, shows how effective the suspension system is at controlling every flank of the Yangwang U9.
It is still worth mentioning that the results achieved by this fancy suspension are not a first in the automotive industry. For the more seasoned aficionados, the system is reminiscent of the hydropneumatic setup used in the 1960s Citroën DS. Nonetheless, it’s nothing short of impressive.
Put Your Wheels In The Air Like You Don’t Care!
The clip above shows the Yangwang U9 jumping in place, with all four wheels leaving the ground simultaneously. The seemingly magic trick is achieved by relying solely on the kinetic power generated by the Disus-X suspension, and no rocket booster nor air canons are used nor harmed during the display.
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The BYD DiSus System Allows The U9 To Perform Its Magic
The DiSus System is BYD’s new flagship technology, and is behind the trickery played by the WangYang U9 on stage. The advanced technology notably prides itself on providing unparalleled control of lateral, longitudinal, and vertical motions in the chassis and suspension. This collaborative control in body dynamics is set to pave the way for the future development of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
The DiSus System Is Built Around Safety
The BYD DiSus System, which is featured in the U9, is the result of over 30 months and six million miles of endurance testing. The system is also touted to be compatible with most driving scenarios. According to BYD, it reduces the risk of vehicle rollover and helps keep the occupants stable during high-speed corner attacks, emergency braking, and full-throttle acceleration.
BYD also claims the DiSus can reduce the risk of scratches and damages under wintry conditions, as well as muddy and water areas.
The U9 Makes Use Of The DiSus System To Its Full Potential
To manage the different needs of its vehicles, BYD has divided the DiSus technology into three subsystems:
- DiSus-C (Intelligent Damping Body Control System): Adjusts the damping by managing the damper solenoid valve. This sub-branch is set to be incorporated into the company’s flagship sedan, the BYD HAN, as well as the BYD TANG and DENZA via over-the-air updates.
- DiSus-A (Intelligent Air Body Control System) utilizes air shocks that can be adjusted by up to 5.9 inches (150 millimeters). It is notably set to be introduced on a midsize SUV called the DENZA N7.
- DiSus-P (Intelligent Hydraulic Body Control System) manages the oil intake of the damper, damping adjustment valve, and stiffness adjustment valve. It also can improve handling performance by delivering an instantaneous 200 percent increase in stiffness and can lift all four wheels simultaneously, or each wheel on its own.
Unlike its brand mates, the WangYang U9 gets special treatment and is equipped with the DiSus-X system. The latter is a jack-of-all-trades that combines the attributes of each subsystem and is a special edition reserved for the supercar.
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The Yangwang U9 Makes Elite Performance More Accessible
Per Current Exchange Rates, It’ll Cost You Less Than $150,000
The YangWang U9 is yet another example of electric sports cars making elite-level performance more affordable. The Chinese supercar is set to start at one million yuan, which equates to roughly $139,000 as per the exchange rates at the time of penning this. While the six-figure price tag cannot be exactly described as budget-friendly, it is nonetheless a novelty in the realm of performance vehicles.
It Gives Other Sports Cars A Solid Run For Their Money
If the specs boasted on the U9 are proven to be true, then the Chinese supercar will effectively top its pricier counterparts, such as the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, in terms of performance. The Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale, which includes a hybrid powertrain, starts at $850,000, yet falls shy of the sub-two-second acceleration time advertised on the Yangwang U9.
Performance & Pricing: Yangwang U9 VS Competition
|
0-60 mph |
MSRP |
|
|
Yangwang U9 |
> 2 seconds |
$139,000 |
|
Fisker Ronin |
2 seconds |
$340,000 |
|
Ferrari SF90 XX |
2.1 seconds |
$850,000 |
|
Rimac Nevera |
1.74 seconds |
$2,100,000 |
(Specs sourced from respective automakers)
The U9 Boasts Some Next-Level Acceleration Times
The two-door couple is equipped with four electric motors, churning out a combined 808 kW, which equates to over 1,000 horsepower. According to BYD, the U9 can sprint from rest to 62mph in 2 seconds. This figure was calculated using the 0-100 km/h metric. Naturally, this means that the 0-60mph time would be even lower.
If true, these specs would effectively make the U9 one of the fastest electric sports cars on the planet, and allow it to play near Rimac Nevera territory. The company hasn’t yet divulged the maximum speed of the U9, so we have yet to find out if it will be subjected to the usual top-speed limitations imposed on EVs for efficiency purposes.
BYD Yangwang U9 Performance Specs
|
Electric Motor |
Quad-Motor Setup |
|
Horsepower |
1,100 horses |
|
Torque |
944 pound-feet |
|
Battery Capacity |
100 kWh |
|
Range (CLTC) |
435 miles |
|
0-62 mph |
2 seconds |
(Data sourced from the automaker)
The supercar is notably pinned on the latest BYD Blade Battery Pack, with a 100 kWh capacity, which translates into 435 miles of range per CLTC standards (China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle.) While this figure seems impressive, it is important to keep in mind that the EPA estimate, used in the United States, would be lower for the Yangwang U9.
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The U9 Doesn’t Overlook Esthetics Either
Despite being relatively “cheap” for a supercar, the Yangwang U9 is far from being modest in terms of premium appeal. The high-end aspect of the car is outwardly expressed through flashy styling that could make you think you’re looking at a seven-figure sports car.
The Design Checks All The Right Boxes
The front fascia is dominated by prominent C-shaped LED lights with DRLs moving horizontally and vertically. The athletic appearance is further complemented by practical aerodynamic elements such as a wide air dam and front air splitter, to increase downforce for better corner-attacks. The supercar is mounted on designer spoked wheels, further emphasizing the sporty aura, although we know it doesn’t need all four of them anyway! The scissor doors are a nicely added final touch of luxury, to let you know that the U9 is more than just a competitively priced EV.
The rear windshield is nicely split by a protruding tail fin and accompanied by full-width LED taillights. The bottom half is fully occupied by a large rear diffuser, which further reinforces the sporty demeanor of the U9.
