BYD's new electric 4x4 looks like a Defender

BYD reveals the Yangwang U8 all-electric 4x4 SUV

Don't try to adjust your screens or monitors. This is not a Land Rover Defender. Instead, this is BYD's newest car brand that was just recently revealed in China. It's called the Yangwang U8, and it's essentially a rugged 4x4 powered by electricity.

Starting with the most obvious first, the overall shape of the U8 appears to be heavily inspired by a certain Land Rover. However, the design elements are unique to the Yangwang U8 which gets unique LED headlights that integrate with the grille, retro-inspired LED taillights, boxy fender flares, flush door handles, and massive 20-inch alloy wheels.

Despite its futuristic looks, BYD says the Yangwang U8 has a ladder-frame chassis that houses the brand's “Blade Battery” technology. The company has yet to reveal how much range it has on a full charge. However, they did say that it has a quad-motor powertrain which will be standard across all models of the Yangwang brand.

In the U8, the automaker says each motor produces between 299 to 326 PS along with 320 to 420 Nm of torque. This translates to a combined output of around 1,115 PS and nearly 1700 Nm of pull. As a result, this behemoth of an electric SUV can go from 0 – 100 km/h in as little as 3 seconds. It also benefits from torque vectoring which helps the electric 4WD system make quick adjustments to each wheel. And just like the all-electric Hummer, the U8 is capable of doing 360-degree tank turns and moving sideways like a crab.

We have yet to see pictures of the BYD Yangwang U8's interior. But just like the exterior, we can expect it to be futuristic and come with a plethora of displays and amenities.

With the Yangwang U8 combining off-road capability with luxurious appointments, BYD appears to be banking on this electric 4x4 for customers that want zero emissions and the ability to go anywhere no matter the terrain.