BYD unveils 5.6-metre luxury saloon aiming to win over Rolls-Royce customers
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Chinese automotive giant BYD has unveiled the Altior, the new flagship of its luxury brand Yangwang, in Abu Dhabi, taking direct aim at the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. The 5.6-metre luxury saloon has four electric motors, promises a range of more than 1,000 km and can even move sideways. The initial special edition, limited to just 399 cars, is expected to cost around €270,000.
Rolls-Royce dimensions meet Chinese technology
The Yangwang Altior combines traditional luxury saloon proportions with the company's latest electric technology.
The car measures 5600 mm long, 2030 mm wide and 1590 mm tall. Its wheelbase stretches to 3500 mm, exceeding even that of the extended-wheelbase Rolls-Royce Ghost by 35 mm. The similarities with the British luxury car go beyond dimensions. The Altior's rear doors are rear-hinged, while the emblems at the centre of its 21-inch wheels remain upright at all times while driving.
The front features a grille with 137 elements resembling faceted gemstones and a 24-carat gold emblem.
Four electric motors and more than 1,000 km of range
The Altior uses BYD's e4 platform, whose four electric motors control each wheel independently. This arrangement allows the car to turn on the spot, move sideways and maintain stability even in the event of a tyre blowout.
The suspension adjusts its operation based on information gathered by the front camera.
The 1,000-volt electrical system uses a second-generation Blade battery, with which BYD promises a range of more than 1,000 km on China's CLTC test cycle. The result would probably be lower under Europe's WLTP cycle. In suitable conditions, BYD's new fast-charging technology allows the battery's state of charge to rise from 10 to 70 per cent in around five minutes. However, the manufacturer has yet to disclose the Altior's specific charging figures. Official figures for power, battery capacity and acceleration are also unavailable.
Two fridges and 39 speakers await rear-seat passengers
The Altior's four-seat cabin focuses primarily on rear-seat passengers. Individual seats with a massage function, natural wool carpets and semi-aniline leather create the atmosphere of a classic luxury car.
A 21.4-inch screen lowers from the ceiling, complemented by two built-in fridges and a 39-speaker Dynaudio Platinum Evidence sound system.
The design of the initial Shanhe Dingyun special edition draws inspiration from Chinese culture. Alongside the brown and gold exterior paint, the manufacturer uses jadeite-like decorative trim in the cabin.
Pre-orders have opened in China for the special edition, which is limited to 399 cars. The provisional price is 2.08 million yuan, or approximately €270,000. The final price has not yet been confirmed.
BYD wants to compete on prestige, not just equipment
The Yangwang Altior's biggest rival is not necessarily Rolls-Royce, but China's own Maextro S800, which also offers exceptional luxury and advanced electric technology.
In Europe, its main rivals would be the Rolls-Royce Ghost, the electric Spectre and Mercedes-Maybach models.
BYD's strengths are its technological capabilities and generous standard equipment. Its weakness is the lack of a luxury-brand reputation built over decades.
For €270,000, BYD can offer more screens, electric motors and smart features than some European rivals. The harder task is convincing buyers that the Yangwang emblem carries the same value as that of Rolls-Royce.
A European sales launch for the Altior has not yet been confirmed.
