Journalists were shown the capabilities of the Yangwang U8 in fording mode. It turned out that BYD’s new product is not easy to drown: the car recognizes dangerous depths, activates the emergency swimming mode, and the tightness of the interior is such that the hybrid can stay afloat for half an hour. Another “trick”: the ability to move through water at a speed of three kilometers per hour.
BYD Yangwang U8 with a high-mounted engine air intake (Off-road Master Edition package) can ford a depth of 1,400 millimeters. If you drive further into the water, the gasoline engine will turn off, the air dampers will close, the air conditioning will switch to recirculation, and the hatch will automatically open to provide an emergency exit. BYD assures that the SUV will last at least half an hour in calm water.
Journalists were shown that with a successful combination of circumstances, Yangwang U8 can swim back. Electric motors rotate the wheels and provide speeds on water of up to three kilometers per hour. You can maneuver by turning the steering wheel. It is especially emphasized that the new BYD product still cannot cross rivers and lakes: the waterfowl mode is introduced for emergency situations, and after its activation the car must be delivered to a service center.
BYD Yangwang U8 entered the Chinese market a month ago. The starting price of an SUV with five engines, supercar dynamics, a “tank” turn and outstanding cross-country ability is 1.09 million yuan (14.3 million rubles). However, the waterfowl version with all the options will obviously be more expensive.
Cars are like steamships
