BYD taking on Rolls-Royce with Yangwang Altior ultra-luxury sedan

BYD's luxury brand Yangwang has unveiled a new flagship electric vehicle (EV) combining Chinese-inspired design, elaborate handcrafted details and advanced technology, including a claimed electric driving range of more than 1000km.

Called the Yangwang Altior, the electric luxury sedan made its global debut in the United Arab Emirates with BYD describing it as a new expression of Chinese ultra-luxury.

The launch model, dubbed the ‘Shanhe Dingyun’ limited edition, is priced from 2.08 million yuan (A$451,000) in China and is reportedly limited to 399 units worldwide.

Developed over three years, the Altior takes inspiration from traditional Chinese culture, with its substantial proportions designed to communicate strength and presence.

Measuring 5600mm long, 2030mm wide and 1590mm tall, the Altior sits between the Rolls-Royce Ghost and standard-wheelbase Phantom in terms of size.

Its exterior features a distinctive front grille designed to resemble high jewellery, with individually positioned and polished elements intended to reflect light from different angles.

The lighting system features 12 elements that illuminate sequentially from the outside towards the centre as the owner approaches, while coach-style doors open to 80 degrees at the front and 90 degrees at the rear.

Inside, the Altior takes a similarly extravagant approach, with a four-seat configuration designed around rear-passenger comfort.

The cabin features yellow Hetian jade detailing, traditional Suzhou embroidery, full-grain semi-aniline leather, pure-wool floor mats and natural wood finishes.

Rear passengers receive aviation-style zero-gravity seats with mechanical massage functions, while a one-touch relaxation mode coordinates seat positioning, lighting, sound and fragrance.

Other features include a 39-speaker Dynaudio Platinum Evidence sound system, a powered 21.4-inch overhead entertainment screen, and front and rear refrigerators. The rear refrigerator has a 5.5-litre capacity and can both cool and warm its contents.

Underpinning the Altior is BYD's e⁴ Platform, which uses four independently controlled electric motors to distribute torque between individual wheels more than 100 times per second.

The system is designed to improve stability and control in challenging situations, with BYD claiming it can help maintain vehicle stability during a high-speed tyre blowout. It also incorporates emergency flotation capability if the vehicle accidentally enters water, alongside a tank-turn function.

The platform works alongside BYD's next-generation fully active body control system, which adjusts the suspension in real time to manage body movement and improve ride comfort.

The Altior also features BYD's latest driver assistance technology, becoming the first model from the brand to use its independently developed 4nm Xuanji A3 assisted-driving chip.

It supports the company's 'God's Eye A' system, which includes navigation assistance for urban roads, motorways and expressways, as well as parking assistance.

Power comes from BYD's Second-Generation Blade Battery, which provides a claimed electric driving range of more than 1000km on the Chinese CLTC test cycle.

However, detailed powertrain specifications including power output and charging speeds are yet to be released.

The Altior will be available in Executive and Bespoke editions, with the latter offering more personalised finishes and limited-run designs.

“Altior represents our vision for the future of Chinese luxury,” said BYD executive vice president Stella Li in a release.

“Our engineers, designers and craftspeople have worked together to give that heritage a contemporary expression through design, craftsmanship and technology.

“The result is a vehicle with luxury in every fibre and power in its soul.”

Despite its global unveiling in Abu Dhabi, BYD has yet to announce detailed powertrain specifications or availability outside China.

There's also no confirmation of whether the Yangwang Altior will be offered in Australia.

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