BYD introduces $300K 4×4 flagship! The Yangwang U8L can float, tank turn and is aimed straight at Range Rover

BYD has showcased its Yangwang U8L extreme off-road 4×4 ahead of its launch at the Shanghai motor show on April 23.

Amazingly, the flagship from BYD’s luxury brand could be priced at almost $300,000 when it goes on sale later this year.

Created to humble the biggest most luxurious Range Rover and more extreme Mercedes G-Wagen, the new Yangwang U8L is an even larger take on the Yangwang U8 back in 2023 and remains under consideration for Australia.

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Like the shorter U8, the full-size U8L should be capable of both 360-degree tank turns as well as deep water wading and, even, floating in emergency scenarios.

Despite its towering 1.098 million yuan ($A235,500) price tag in China, BYD’s luxury brand said it sold 7254 U8s domestically in 2024, paving the way for a bigger, even more luxurious version.

Full details will be revealed following its unveiling, but it’s thought the new U8L will measure in at around 5600mm long, which means it could be around 200-300mm longer than the full-size GMC Yukon that is going on sale in Australia.

Like the standard U8, expect a generous ground clearance of around 285mm and a huge amount of space for luggage.

Three rows of seating should offer space for up to eight, decreasing to as few as six in the most luxurious versions via four airline-style recliners in the rear.

BYD has yet to announce powertrain details for the U8L, but we’d be surprised if its didn’t have a plug-in hybrid that will blend four e-motors and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol that will produce an incredible 880kW and 1280Nm of torque.

Providing for an EV range of up to 180km on the CLTC cycle will be a 49.05kWh BYD Blade LFP battery, while a full tank of fuel is claimed boost the total range to more than 1000km.

The flagship 4×4 should also come with BYD’s most advanced God’s Eye autonomous driving technology that could provide a level 3 hands- and eyes-off driving capability in geofenced locations, including highways.