Can BYD U8 Float on Water for 30 Minutes?

The YangWang U8

The BYD U8 was launched at the end of 2024 under its premium brand, YangWang. YangWang offers high-end vehicles with luxurious features. Deliveries were promised by October.

The large SUV is available in two versions: a premium edition and an off-road edition for more challenging terrains. The price of both variants does not differ much.

Highly Priced

As mentioned earlier, YangWang is quite expensive for a Chinese brand. The U8 is priced at $150,000, making it comparable to several other premium vehicles in this price range.

The price might be a turnoff considering other options in this segment. The Hummer EV, known for its new CrabWalk feature, has its base variant priced at $96,550.

Off-Road Master

The Off-road Master Edition of the U8 is expected to be launched after the first edition. It includes some additional features, as the name suggests.

As for the exterior, it comes with a tougher front bumper designed to handle tough conditions. The bumper extends to the bottom, offering extra protection on rugged trails.

Snorkel

The off-road variant also features a snorkel, which helps the SUV “breathe” when submerged in water. The snorkel is an air intake pipe extending toward the vehicle’s roof.

This design prevents water from entering the air filter, avoiding engine failure. Additionally, this variant includes a detachable roof rack for extra storage and a side ladder for easy access to the luggage on the roof.

Wading Waters

The Yangwang U8 can drive through water just like any other off-road vehicle. The two variants differ in their wading capabilities due to the additional snorkel.

The Premium U8 can handle a maximum water depth of 1,000 mm, while the Off-road variant can handle a maximum depth of 1,400 mm.

Smart Wading

However, it’s not like a regular off-roader, as it has a range of sensors and advanced features. The U8 features a Wading Mode when it enters the water.

When Wading Mode is activated, it monitors surrounding conditions such as water depth, wheel slip, and other necessary factors to prevent it from drowning.

Floating Mode

If the U8 goes deeper into water than the previously mentioned depths, it will activate Emergency Floating Mode. This mode turns on automatically as a safety measure to prevent any mishap.

The U8, being a smartly engineered SUV, takes all the necessary precautions in deep water. Some call it a “waterproof car” because of its floating mode.

Necessary Measures

When Floating Mode is activated, the U8 will immediately shut down its combustion engine. The smart suspension will raise the vehicle to its maximum height.

The air conditioning will switch to internal circulation, preventing water from entering the vehicle. All windows will close, and the sunroof will open in case you need an emergency exit.

30 Minute Floating Time

The Floating Mode can keep the SUV afloat for up to 30 minutes. The U8 can move forward at 3 km/h by turning and accelerating its wheels.

Amazingly, it can perform a 360-degree tank turn while floating in the water. This is made possible by the adaptive motion of the wheels.

IP68-Waterproof

The car also displays all the necessary information on the infotainment screen, such as water depth and altitude, on the central display.

BYD claims that the U8 is IP68-rated for waterproofing. While this rating is common for smartwatches, having this level of waterproofing in a car is definitely something new.

Emergency Mode

BYD showcases the U8 floating through water in its marketing videos. The actual SUV is shown surviving these conditions with its Floating Mode activated, displaying all the details on the cluster.

However, the company clearly states that this mode is intended only for emergencies, such as floods. It’s not a fun mode for intentionally crossing lakes and rivers.

Horsepower

The U8 is equipped with four electric motors, one at each wheel. Each motor produces 295 horsepower. The total combined horsepower is an impressive 1180, which is insane.

The power is delivered to the wheels by the electric motors. It also has a 2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, but it’s primarily used as a power extender for the batteries. The engine is not connected to the wheels.

Radar

Have you noticed the three unusual, taxicab-like bumps on the roof? They are functional and serve to provide driving assistance. They provide a real-time 3D scan to inform you about the road ahead.

These large humps feature 5mm wave radars and 14 ultrasonic sensors. Overall, the U8 has 16 cameras to offer a clear bird’s-eye view.

Interior

The interior features several screens, including a central vertical display. There are screens on each side for the driver and front passenger, with a large display in the middle. A 23.6-inch longitudinal screen is featured in the dashboard.

The interior is fully detailed with Nappa leather and Sapele wood trims throughout. The color combination is unique, displaying luxury all around. 

Rear Entertainment

There are two large screens for rear entertainment. The rear A/C vents are also controlled by an LCD at the back of the center console.

Another display is hidden in the rear center console and functions as a tablet, adding to the luxurious feel. The panoramic roof adds another glass element to the interior, enhancing the sense of luxury.

BYD offers amazing sedans just like Experience Elegance with the BYD HAN Electric Sedan.

Premium Sound

The Yangwang U8 is equipped with 22 speakers featuring Dolby Atmos. There are several speakers spread throughout the interior for an immersive sound experience.

The speakers, along with tweeters, are visible on each door. Taking it further, they’ve mounted additional speakers on the roof and three more in the doors. The surround sound must be impressive with all those details.

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