Refreshed BYD Yangwang U7 breaks the 1,000-kilometer range barrier

BYD, the Chinese automotive giant, is updating its luxury flagship sedan, the Yangwang U7, with a promise to solve one of the biggest complaints people have about EVs: range anxiety. With its latest update, the U7 can travel more than 620 miles on a single charge - a massive distance for any battery-powered vehicle.

The secret to this long distance is a giant battery pack. The new Yangwang U7 uses a 150 kWh Blade battery that uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. Most electric cars on the road today have batteries between 60 and 100 kWh.

BYD decided to go much bigger. While a 150 kWh battery sounds great for long trips, it comes with a trade-off in weight. The battery pack alone weighs 2,041 lb - that's nearly as much as the entire new Dacia Spring.

Because the battery is so heavy, the whole car is quite a beast. Depending on the version you choose, the curb weight ranges from 6,878 lb to 7,253 lb. Even the "lightest" version with a smaller battery weighs 6,823 lb. For those who do not need to drive over 620 miles in one go, BYD offers a smaller 135.5 kWh battery. This version still provides a very respectable range of 497 miles. An earlier version of this same battery pack was rated for 447 miles, showing how much BYD is refining its software and efficiency.

Performance is another area where the Yangwang U7 stands out. It does not just go far; it goes fast. The car uses four electric motors, each producing 240 kW of power. When you add them all up, the car has a total output of 960 kW - that is equal to 1,287 horsepower. This much grunt allows the heavy sedan to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in only 2.9 seconds. If you find a road long enough, it will keep pushing until it hits a top speed of 168 mph.

The Yangwang U7 is a large vehicle designed to carry people in comfort. It measures 17.26 ft long, 6.53 ft wide, and 4.95 ft high. The 10.37 ft wheelbase creates a lot of room inside for passengers. Buyers can choose between a five-seat layout or a more private four-seat configuration. Despite its large size, the car has a drag coefficient of 0.195 Cd. A lower number means the car cuts through the air more easily, which helps it save energy at high speeds.

To keep all that weight under control, BYD equipped the U7 with the DiSus-Z suspension system, which adjusts quickly to keep the ride smooth. For safety, the car features the "God's Eye A" driving assistance system with three LiDAR sensors, which act like the car's eyes to see obstacles and other vehicles on the road.

The price for all this technology and range starts at RMB 628,000, or about $89,800. BYD calls the new U7 a "million-dollar-class" flagship, and it is clear that the company wants to compete with the most expensive luxury brands in the world. With a range that finally crosses the 1,000-km mark, the Yangwang U7 is making a strong case for itself.

Via