We know how this BYD electric car will do better than the Tesla Model S Plaid

BYD, Tesla's biggest competitor, is preparing to unveil a high-performance electric car, which could overshadow the Tesla Model S Plaid. The manufacturer has just given more details, which are very juicy. Enough to make it a truly unique electric car.

With the Model S Plaid, Tesla has set the bar high-very high. It is a family electric car with phenomenal power (1,020 hp). It fights with the electric Porsche Taycan on many circuits and achieves times closer to a hypercar than a family car.

The competition is sharpening its weapons. The proof is the Yangwang U9 from BYD. It is an ultra-sporty 2-seater coupe. A kind of MG Cyberster, but much more powerful and technological. We were lucky enough to see this car and get on board in China. The brand will reveal all the technical characteristics on February 25. But she has already given some very tantalizing details.

More than 1,300 horsepower

As reported by the Car News China site, Yangwang published several posts on his Weibo account, the famous Chinese social network. The opportunity to learn that the four motors (one per wheel) integrated into the Yangwang U9 will develop a phenomenal power of 960 kW (1,305 hp) thanks to a unit power of 240 kW (322 hp). The torque reaches 1,680 Nm at 21,000 rpm. Enough to propel the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 2 seconds.

For comparison, the Tesla Model S Plaid and its three engines claim 1,020 hp and 0 to 100 km/h achieved in 2.1 seconds.

The four independent DiSus-X air suspensions are equally impressive since they allow you to turn flat, jump on the spot, and perform standing starts without losing grip. A bit like what the Tesla Model S Plaid does with Cheetah mode, but more advanced from BYD. The Yangwang still goes further since it can turn around on the spot, thanks to the tank-turn, also present on the Yangwang U8.

On the other hand, where BYD strongly disappoints is in autonomy. With an 80 kWh battery, the range of the Yangwang U8 would reach 465 km on the Chinese CLTC cycle. Or around 400 km in the European WLTP cycle. We imagine that the pachydermic weight of the machine (2,475 kg) does not help too much. And its aerodynamics seem to have been designed to emphasize aerodynamic downforce, for grip and stability, not long highway outings.

For comparison, a Tesla Model S Plaid can reach 695 autonomy in the WLTP cycle, with a barely larger battery and a capacity of 100 kWh. Which suggests staggering consumption for the BYD Yangwang U8.

An arrival in Europe?

We will now have to wait a little longer before knowing the price of this car. It could be sold in Europe, since BYD plans to launch the Yangwang brand on the Old Continent with a first appearance at the Geneva Motor Show on February 26.

Initially, the Yangwang U8 SUV should be there. But it's easy to imagine that the Yangwang U7 sedan and this Yangwang U9 supercar will subsequently be marketed in Europe. You have to expect crazy prices, over 100,000 euros.