Today, let’s discuss the BYD Yangwang U9, an electric supercar from the Chinese manufacturer BYD that has been generating a lot of buzz. The U9, costing a hefty 1.68 million yuan (approximately US$230,000), gained attention due to a promotional video showcasing its, shall we say, “hopping” abilities. But is this skill truly useful, or just a flashy attention-grabber?
U9’s Disus X Suspension Enables Stunts
Let’s talk about the Disus X suspension. This technology allows the U9 to perform its jumps. In the video, the car effortlessly navigates a hole, metal spikes, and even an area with colored powder, all without a driver. Impressive, right? But hold on. While the video claims the U9 can jump up to 6 meters, the maximum height achieved in tests was only 35 mm. In other words, it can hop over a very small obstacle, but don’t expect it to fly around like a flying car. This is because the Disus X system first raises the front wheels to assist in the jump’s momentum.
The BYD Yangwang U9 is equipped with four electric motors, one for each wheel, delivering a combined power of 1,300 hp. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in an impressive 2.36 seconds. This Chinese supercar boasts a 100 kWh Blade battery, offering a range of up to 450 km according to the Chinese Light-duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). Its dimensions are 4,966 mm long, 2,029 mm wide, and 1,295 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,900 mm. The total vehicle weight is 2,475 kg.
U9 Overcomes Obstacles Autonomously
Another striking feature in the video is the U9’s autonomous operation—no driver required. This highlights BYD’s advancements in autonomous technology, increasingly present in its vehicles. However, the question remains: what is the practical use of a car that can jump autonomously? Who needs a 1,300 hp vehicle that doesn’t even need a driver to perform such a maneuver? Is BYD overdoing it a bit?
The BYD Yangwang U9 can be customized with various exterior and interior color options. An aerodynamic package is also available, including a large carbon fiber rear spoiler and a more aggressive front diffuser. Active safety technologies are also included, such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist.
Is the U9’s Jumping Ability Useful in Everyday Life?
This is the million-dollar question. Is this jumping ability truly useful in everyday driving? Let’s be honest, how many times have you needed your car to jump over an obstacle? Probably never. In reality, the U9’s jump height is so minimal that it wouldn’t clear most obstacles encountered on the road, such as larger potholes or even a small animal. And let’s face it, no one in their right mind would use a supercar costing over $1 million to go hopping around, would they?
The BYD Yangwang U9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The sound system is a 12-speaker setup by Dynaudio.
U9 Performance Against Direct Competitors
Speaking of performance, the U9 failed to outperform the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra on the famous Nürburgring circuit. This raises the question: are these “stunts” like the jumping ability all the U9 has to offer? In the world of high-performance electric supercars, competition is fierce. BYD needs to demonstrate that the U9 offers more than just a suspension that makes the car jump. Perhaps showcasing how the Disus X suspension improves handling in corners would be more beneficial. Something truly useful and desirable for sports car enthusiasts. BYD could utilize the Disus X system to adjust the suspension height and stiffness in real-time, improving vehicle stability and control at high speeds.
The U9 has a declared top speed of 392 km/h, but official energy consumption data is not yet available. Considering the U9’s power and weight, high consumption is expected, especially during spirited driving. Regarding charging, BYD claims the U9’s battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in just 10 minutes using a 500 kW ultra-fast charger.
Video of the BYD Yangwang U9 Jumping Over Obstacles
