Dubai Police adds 880 kW Yangwang U8 that can also stay afloat

Dubai Police unveiled the new vehicle at the WETEX 2026 technology exhibition in partnership with Yangwang’s local importer, Al-Futtaim Automotive Group. According to the police, the U8 will patrol the areas around the Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard and Jumeirah Beach Residence, where its main role will be to assist tourists and increase police visibility.

Four electric motors and a petrol engine serving as a generator

The Yangwang U8 uses BYD’s e⁴ powertrain system, with a separate electric motor driving each wheel. The four motors deliver a combined output of up to 880 kW and 1,280 Nm of torque.

Despite its electric drivetrain, the U8 is not a fully electric car. It is a range-extended plug-in hybrid whose 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine generates electricity rather than mechanically driving the wheels.

The system’s energy reserves consist of a 49.05 kWh battery and a 78-litre fuel tank. The version sold in the United Arab Emirates has an electric range of up to 112 kilometres under the WLTC test cycle and a combined range of up to 800 kilometres. These figures are not directly comparable with those measured under Europe’s WLTP standard.

Acceleration from 0–100 km/h takes 3.6 seconds, and top speed is 200 km/h. These are notable figures for an SUV weighing more than three tonnes, but that substantial weight inevitably also brings higher energy requirements and greater loads on the tyres and brakes.

Flotation capability is intended for emergencies

One of the U8’s more unusual features is its emergency flotation mode. If the car enters deep water, it closes the necessary openings and adjusts the suspension to allow the vehicle to stay afloat.

According to the manufacturer, the U8 can move through water at up to 3 km/h and remain afloat for up to 30 minutes. This is not intended for routine use on water, however, but as a backup function if flooding leaves the car in deep water.

Another capability provided by the four independent electric motors is the so-called tank turn. By rotating the wheels in opposite directions, the car can turn up to 360 degrees on the spot. The function may help with manoeuvring in tight spaces, but its use depends on the surface and grip conditions.

The U8 also uses electronically controlled DiSus-P hydropneumatic suspension, which allows the body height to be adjusted through a range of up to 150 mm. The manufacturer quotes a maximum wading depth of 1,000 mm.

More about attracting attention than police work

Dubai Police’s fleet already includes several expensive sports cars and luxury SUVs. Their main purpose is not conventional patrol work, but to represent the police in tourist areas and interact with visitors.

The Yangwang U8 continues that tradition. Its power, flotation capability and complex powertrain are technically interesting, but it is unclear how useful these features will actually be in day-to-day police work.

The U8 is not a particularly convincing example of environmental sustainability either. Although it can cover shorter distances on electricity, it remains a very heavy vehicle that also uses petrol on longer journeys.

From a European market perspective, the U8 is interesting primarily as an alternative to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Range Rover. The Chinese manufacturer is approaching the same segment with considerably more electric power and a more complex powertrain. That does not, however, automatically mean better off-road capability, reliability or running costs.

For Dubai Police, the U8 is primarily another showcase vehicle. For Yangwang, the partnership offers an opportunity to present its technology outside China, without that alone proving the model’s advantages over established luxury SUVs.