BYD has officially commenced full-scale production of its high-end electric sedan, the Yangwang U7, in China. This advanced vehicle, equipped with four electric motors, is set to begin customer deliveries soon. Pre-orders for the U7 started on March 27, with a base price of 628,000 yuan (approximately $87,150 USD). The model is positioned to compete directly with premium sedans from long-established automakers.
The U7 has garnered significant attention since it was first introduced in January of the previous year. Shortly afterward, BYD applied for regulatory approval to sell the model. The vehicle was later unveiled to the public at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show in April, but formal pre-sales didn’t begin until November 2024. The official launch came in late March 2025, followed by the beginning of mass production roughly two months later.
First Production Units of Yangwang U7 Emerge
Yangwang, BYD’s premium sub-brand, released images of the first U7 units coming off the assembly line. These vehicles appear to be all-electric versions, recognizable by their front bumper design featuring a single air intake.
The initial batch sports a white exterior and is fitted with 21-inch wheels with multi-spoke design. Conventional side mirrors are used, and each car includes a rooftop LiDAR sensor. The cabin also follows a white color theme.
Compared to its plug-in hybrid version, the all-electric U7 is slightly more compact, measuring 5,265 mm in length, 1,998 mm in width, and 1,517 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,160 mm. Its four electric motors collectively produce 960 kW (1,287 hp), enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 270 km/h. A 135.5 kWh battery provides a driving range of up to 720 km under CLTC standards.
Details on the Plug-in Hybrid U7
The plug-in hybrid variant is slightly larger, measuring 5,360 mm long, 2,000 mm wide, and 1,515 mm high, with a wheelbase of 3,200 mm. It uses the same electric drivetrain but adds a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine generating 200 kW (268 hp). A 52.4 kWh battery powers the EV mode, allowing for up to 200 km of electric-only driving, while the total range exceeds 1,000 km thanks to a 60-liter fuel tank.
Inside, the U7 offers both four- and five-seat configurations. Features include a central 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen, a 23.6-inch passenger display, and a matching digital cluster for the driver. Rear passengers benefit from dual 12.8-inch screens for entertainment.
The vehicle’s rear-wheel steering allows them to pivot up to 20 degrees, significantly enhancing maneuverability with a turning radius of just 4.85 meters. Another standout feature is the Disus-Z suspension, which uses magnetic actuators instead of traditional hydraulic shock absorbers.
Market Position and Sales Outlook
Available in China at prices ranging from 628,000 to 708,000 yuan ($87,150 to $98,250 USD), the U7 is the third offering in the Yangwang lineup, following the U8 SUV and U9 sports coupe. From January to April 2025, Yangwang delivered just 659 vehicles, an 85.2% drop compared to the previous year. The brand hopes the U7 will revitalize its position in the luxury EV segment, taking aim at heavyweights like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8L.
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