BYD Targets UAE for Launch of Ultra-Luxury Electric Sedan

BYD will debut its most expensive electric sedan in the United Arab Emirates instead of its home market of China. Yangwang general manager Hu Xiaoqing confirmed this week that the global launch will occur in the UAE, though the company has not announced a specific date. The move signals a shift in strategy for a brand historically associated with affordable mass-market vehicles.

The new model is the largest sedan BYD has produced. Local reports estimate its length at approximately 5,500 millimeters, or 216 inches. This dimension matches the footprint of the Rolls-Royce Phantom and the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. The car features rear-hinged coach doors, a design element new to the BYD lineup.

BYD aims to compete directly with ultra-luxury brands such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Mercedes-Maybach with this vehicle. This is a distinct departure from its current reputation, anchored by models like the Seagull. The Seagull is a small hatchback that sells for under $10,000 in China. The new sedan will sit above the existing Yangwang U7, which starts at 658,000 yuan, or $98,000.

The vehicle is expected to utilize BYD's latest technological advancements. It is reportedly the first model to use the company's solid-state batteries. Executive vice president Stella Li told Carwow.es last month that BYD's first solid-state battery vehicle would debut in 2027. The sedan was also seen at a BYD Flash Charging station, indicating support for megawatt-level charging speeds.

Rumors suggest the starting price will be in the 2 million yuan range, equivalent to about $300,000. This price point places the sedan well above the brand's current highest-priced mass-produced vehicle, the U8L plug-in hybrid SUV. The U8L starts at 1.45 million yuan, or $217,000. The new sedan will join the Yangwang sub-brand, which already includes the U8 and U9 electric super-coupe.

Zheng Yu, executive general manager of Yangwang, stated the car will feature disruptive technology without providing specific details. Hu Xiaoqing shared images of the disguised prototype last month. The sedan is expected to make its official debut this month, marking the next phase in BYD's expansion into the global luxury segment.