China’s world-beating battery-electric-vehicle maker BYD is accelerating its push into Europe by announcing a host of model and technology debuts at this month's Geneva auto show.
The automaker will debut its first plug-in hybrid vehicle, the BYD Seal U DM-i, introducing Super DM (dual mode) smart charging technology, its Rolls-Royce-challenging supreme luxury brand Yangwang and a new version of the BYD Tang, a 7-seater all-wheel-drive all-electric SUV.
On top of the debuting Yangwang U8 (pictured), the mid-market people carrier Denza D9, a sub-brand between BYD and Mercedes-Benz first seen last Septemberf at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, makes its second appearance.
The automaker says its first Seal PHEV model is aimed at “European countries where the infrastructure of electric charging is not yet matured, or where customers are in demand of a vehicle that offers all the benefits of electric driving without compromising on range.”
The new-generation BYD Tang targets the family market, offering fast charging and claiming an extended range up to 330 miles (531 km) on the WLTP combined rating. The vehicle already has earned a maximum 5 stars by Euro NCAP Safety Test.
Its Yangwang U8 claims a world-first with its e⁴ platform employing 4-motor independent drive technology which controls the dynamics of all four wheels through 4-motor independent vector control. The motors' independent control of the torque of the four wheels allows the use of differential steering, enabling left and right wheels spinning in opposite directions for a 360-degree "Tank Turn."
It also boasts BYD’s DiSus Intelligent Body Control System which claims to reduce the risk of rollovers, minimize occupant displacement during high-speed cornering, acceleration or braking and protect the vehicle from damage under challenging road conditions.
