The range-topping Yangwang marque in BYD’s range hierarchy is set to unveil one of its most ambitious models yet.
Yangwang has teased the Altior, a new limousine set to crown the BYD group portfolio, and push the Chinese giant into the low-volume, high-luxury market.
The unapologetically Rolls-Royce-inspired sedan won’t just look like the storied British limo, but appears to be lining up to poach its buyers too.
The Altior will join Yangwang’s existing range of vehicles, including the U7 sedan, U8 SUV, and U9 hypercar, but where those models have been largely targeted at Chinese buyers, the Altior appears to be a push to lure international customers.
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Car News China claims the Altior – codenamed HU – will be revealed on November 5 in the United Arab Emirates, a location reportedly confirmed by Yangwang Sales Division General Manager Hu Xiaoqing.
Chinese media estimates the sedan could measure up to 5500mm long, making it closer in size to a standard-wheelbase Rolls-Royce Ghost (5545mm) than a Phantom (5715mm).
However, it is set to boast a 3350mm wheelbase, slotting between that of the Ghost (3295mm) and Ghost Extended Wheelbase (3465mm).
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Images of camouflaged cars undergoing testing show a profile incredibly close to that of Rolls-Royce sedans, with the same upright front end, horizontal bonnet surface, rear-hinged back doors, formal roofline, and prominent D-pillar.
Some details, however, may not be as restrained, with the intricate ‘interstellar space-time gate’ LED running light signature from the U8 visible.
Details of the powertrain are as yet unknown, but with other Yangwang vehicles featuring a single motor driving each wheel on models like the U7 and U8, the flagship sedan is likely to feature a similar drivetrain.
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Suggestions that the Altior could be one of the first BYD Group models with a solid-state battery have surfaced.
It is backed by claims from BYD’s Executive Vice President Stella Li, who has said the company plans to have a production-ready solid-state-powered vehicle ready by 2027.
As with other Yangwang models, the new sedan will feature LiDAR-assisted autonomous driving capabilities, advanced adaptive suspension, and a range of cabin comfort features.
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It’s not yet known if Yangwang will aim to offer the highly customisable range of hand-crafted interior finishes the way brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley do.
With those key details yet to be confirmed, pricing is also unknown for now.
However, with the Altior designed to sit above Yangwang’s current range, and the most expensive U8L SUV priced from 1,458,000 yuan (AUD$311,000), the starting price could push to a new high for a BYD-manufactured vehicle.
Full details, including international distribution plans, are expected to be announced at the car’s official unveiling.
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