China Asked For A Longer YangWang And BYD Delivered

- The U8 L has an 127.9-inch wheelbase and will be sold exclusively in 2+2+2 configuration.
- The luxury SUV uses the standard modelβs quad-motor, turbo-four range-extender unit.
- All up, the U8 delivers 1,180 hp and 944 lb-ft (1,280 Nm) of torque and can even do tank turns.
Thereβs no shortage of over-the-top SUVs these days, but the Yangwang U8 manages to stand out in a sea of excess, and not just for its wild features. It recently even caught the attention of California Governor Gavin Newsom, who seemed suitably impressed.
Apparently, though, BYDβs high-end sub-brand decided the original U8 wasnβt quite lavish enough, because now thereβs an even longer and more luxurious version named the Yangwang U8 L.
Read: Watch BYDβs Yangwang U9 Jump Road Spikes (And The Shark)
According to new details out of China, the U8 L rides on a massive 3,250 mm (127.9-inch) wheelbase, which is 200 mm (7.8 inches) longer than the base model. This extra length makes room for a custom 2+2+2 seating configuration, bringing a touch of private-jet layout to your daily school run or mountain retreat. Unfortunately, Yangwang hasnβt shared interior photos yet, so weβll have to imagine how those second-row thrones might look once you slide in.
Longer, Flashier, Shinier
However, some obvious changes have been made to the exterior of the new flagship U8. For starters, the Yangwang badge on the front grille can be finished in 24-karat gold, as can the emblem at the rear. The automakerβs designers have also crafted new 23-inch forged wheels for the U8 L that have floating center caps, just like a Rolls-Royce. These new wheels are wrapped in wider rubber than the standard model.
Around back, Yangwang has cleaned up the design by removing the spare wheel carrier. The result is a sleeker, more upmarket profile that dials down the rugged SUV cues and turns up the executive limo vibe.

Same Power, Same Party Tricks
Underneath, the U8 L doesnβt mess with the formula. Chinaβs Autohome reports that the U8 L shares the same drivetrain as the standard U8: four electric motors, a 2.0-liter turbocharged range-extender, and a 49.05 kWh battery pack. The numbers are hefty at 1,180 hp (880 kW) and 944 lb-ft (1,280 Nm) of torque, and the party tricks remain intact. That includes the ability to float in water and execute tank turns, thanks to each wheel getting its own motor.
Yangwang provided the world a glimpse at the U8 L at the recent Shanghai Auto Show, with production scheduled to kick off later this year. Prices could start at around 1.5 million yuan, or the equivalent of around $205,000 at current exchange rates. Thatβs a lot for a Chinese-built SUV, but itβs a relative bargain compared to a Rolls-Royce Cullinan that starts at over $400,000 in America.
Thatβs no small sum for Chinese-built SUV, but compared to a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, which starts at over $400,000 in the U.S., it almost feels like a deal, especially if your idea of a bargain includes gold trim and amphibious capabilities.