Auto Shanghai: BYD unveils extended luxury SUV and PHEV estate

The standout vehicle on BYD’s stand is undoubtedly the Yangwang U8L, an extended version of the already imposing luxury SUV from the brand’s premium division. The U8L has been stretched by 20 centimetres to offer a more spacious and opulent six-seat configuration, with four individual rear seats. The extended wheelbase now measures 3.25 metres, increasing the overall length to 5.40 metres—8.1 centimetres longer than the standard U8 Luxury Edition. The increase is largely due to the omission of the externally mounted spare wheel.

According to BYD, the extended space is particularly beneficial for third-row passengers. The U8L, BYD claims, even surpasses the Rolls-Royce Cullinan in its class.

The U8L is based on BYD’s e4 platform, which features a four-motor electric drivetrain—one motor per wheel—offering 880 kW of combined power and up to 1,280 Nm of torque. However, this is not a pure BEV. The U8L is configured as an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), with a 2.0-litre petrol engine serving as a generator. Suspension duties are handled by BYD’s DuSus-P hydraulic body control system, and the vehicle is equipped with the top-tier ‘God’s Eye A’ driver assistance suite, which includes triple Lidar sensors.

Pricing has not been disclosed, but with 24-carat gold brand emblems available as an option, the U8L is clearly aimed at the top of the luxury market. While the standard U8 appeals to owner-drivers, the U8L is positioned more towards chauffeur-driven clientele—one of the few segments where foreign brands like Mercedes-Benz (with the GLS) still hold sway in China.

Notably, Yangwang recently celebrated the delivery of its 10,000th vehicle—a U8—just ahead of the Shanghai motor show.

At the other end of the spectrum, BYD introduced a new estate variant of its Seal 06 DM-i plug-in hybrid. The Seal 06 DM-i saloon has already sold over 220,000 units since its debut last year, and the new Seal 06 DM-i Wagon adds practicality to the Ocean Series lineup. The estate is 4.85 metres long, 1.89 metres wide, and 1.51 metres tall, with a 2.79-metre wheelbase. It combines a 74 kW 1.5-litre petrol engine with either a 120 or 160 kW electric motor. Electric-only range is rated at 53 km or 83 km respectively under the more generous CLTC cycle.

A fully electric version, the Seal 06 EV, is expected in Q2. It will be a 4.72-metre-long saloon with a 2.82-metre wheelbase, offering two drivetrain options—110 or 160 kW single-motor configurations. Prices are projected to range between 120,000 and 150,000 yuan (approx. €14,500 to €18,000), though BYD has yet to confirm these figures.

In Q3, SUV variants are set to follow under the Sealion 06 nameplate, including both PHEV and BEV versions. The Sealion 06 measures 4.81 metres in length and shares the 2.82-metre wheelbase. Its design is geared more towards lifestyle than utility. The Sealion 06 DM-i is expected to feature the 160 kW PHEV setup, while the Sealion 06 EV will come in three configurations: 170 kW, 180 kW, and a dual-motor AWD version with 110 kW front and 280 kW rear motors. Prices will likely fall between 160,000 and 200,000 yuan (approx. €19,300 to €24,000).

Also at Auto Shanghai, BYD’s Denza brand—which just celebrated its European debut—unveiled the Denza Z Concept, a sleek electric sports car. It features BYD’s DiSus-M suspension system and steer-by-wire technology. While no details have been shared regarding powertrain or production, BYD claims the Denza Z aims to rival the Porsche 911 in both performance and appeal.

In short: a stretched luxury SUV, a new PHEV estate, a sports car concept, and a roadmap to further variants. It may not be a flood of novelties, but BYD’s Auto Shanghai presentation reflects its strategic approach—focusing major debuts on its own terms. Expect more reveals from the EV giant as the year progresses.

carnewschina.com, cnevpost.com (both Yangwang U8L), cnevpost.com (10,000th Yangwang), carnewschina.com (Seal 06 DM-i), cnevpost.com (Denza Z Concpet)