Right-hand-drive versions of BYD's Yangwang supercars locked in for the UK, opening the door for an Australian arrival.
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Yangwang, BYD’s high-end brand above Denza, will soon be offered in right-hand-drive (RHD) form in the UK, paving the way for models like the U9 supercar and U8 off-roader to come to Australia.
However, if they do arrive, it will not be anytime soon, as Autocar reports the first Yangwang models will not touch down in the UK until 2027.
The UK is one of the “leading countries for premium car sales, and so its very important for our Denza brand – and very important for Yangwang in the future,” BYD vice-chairman and Europe boss Stella Li told Autocar.
In Australia however, BYD is first focused on launching its Denza luxury sub-brand, which is due to arrive before year’s end.
In China, the Yangwang line-up consists of three models, headlined by the all-electric U9 supercar that can famously jump to avoid potholes.
At least one example is in Australia, imported by BYD Australia for a “series of tech demonstration events”.
Featuring a four electric motor, all-wheel-drive set-up, the U9 has a combined output of 960kW, while the Track Edition variants ups the ante to 2220kW to make it the fastest production electric vehicle (EV) in the world.
Likewise, there are examples of the Toyota LandCruiser-sized Yangwang U8 SUV in Australia too, displayed at BYD dealerships and spotted in camouflage.
The U8 uses a range-extender plug-in hybrid powertrain that pairs a 2.0-litre petrol engine with four electric motors for a combined 880kW.
The Yangwang SUV’s claim to fame is its ability to float and traverse deep water for short periods of time.
The third – and newest – model from Yangwang is the U7, a plug-in hybrid or full-electric large luxury sedan that shares its underpinnings with the U9.
With some Yangwang models already on Australian soil, BYD’s local division could save itself from launching and marketing a third brand, and instead roll out Yangwang products badged as Denza.
However, plans are expected to become clearer once BYD Australia locks in its full Denza portfolio – currently expected to consist of the B5 and B8 SUVs.
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Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
