BYD Yangwang prices new 216-inch electric sedan at $300,000

BYD has set the price of its newest and largest electric sedan at approximately $300,000. The vehicle, which measures 5,500 millimeters in length, will make its official debut in the United Arab Emirates. General manager Hu Xiaoqing confirmed this week that the global launch will occur in the UAE rather than in China.

The model targets the ultra-luxury segment, positioning itself against established brands such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Mercedes-Maybach. This move marks a distinct shift for BYD, a company widely recognized for affordable vehicles like the Seagull, a small hatchback that sells for under $10,000 in China. The new sedan features rear-hinged coach doors, a first for the manufacturer, and is reported to be the first model to utilize the company's solid-state batteries.

BYD has expanded its product lineup in recent years, now offering everything from entry-level EVs to electric supercars. The brand operates three sub-brands, Denza, FangChengBao, and Yangwang, in addition to its main Dynasty and Ocean families. Yangwang serves as the top tier of this hierarchy and acts as a showcase for the company's latest engineering. Previous Yangwang models utilized the quad-motor e4 platform, which produces 1,300 horsepower, and the DiSus-X intelligent body control system.

Hu released images of the new executive sedan undergoing testing last month. Although the car was disguised, its proportions matched those of the Maybach S-Class or Rolls-Royce Phantom. Zheng Yu, Yangwang's executive general manager, stated that the vehicle will feature unprecedented disruptive technology without providing specific technical details. The sedan was spotted at a BYD Flash Charging station, suggesting it will support megawatt flash charging.

Executive vice president Stella Li told Carwow.es in September that BYD's first solid-state battery vehicle would debut in 2027. However, the new sedan is expected to make its official debut this month, potentially bringing that technology forward. The $300,000 price point places the new sedan well above the brand's current offerings. The existing U7 electric sedan starts at $98,000, while the U8L plug-in hybrid luxury SUV, the brand's current highest-priced mass-produced vehicle, starts at $217,000.

BYD has not announced a specific date for the UAE launch. The company will likely provide further details regarding the vehicle's specifications and regional availability as the debut approaches.