China’s BYD unveils dancing EV supercar that costs $233,000

The fully electric supercar debuted in Shanghai as BYD’s now most expensive vehicle. The Yangwang U9 priced at 1.68 million yuan ($233,450), was designed to compete with luxury sports cars like those from Ferrari and Lamborghini.

Exclusively sold in China for now, the U9 boasts impressive specs, including a 0-60 mph acceleration in 2.36 seconds and a top speed of 192 mph. It reportedly has a special Disus X suspension system that enables it to jump, dance and drive on three wheels, Next Shark reports.

The supercar’s interior, which appears to be less striking than its exteriors, features three LCD screens with thick bezels. Two identical 10.25-inch screens are positioned in front of the driver and passenger, while a larger 12.3-inch vertical screen serves as the central control screen in the middle. Its three-spoke steering wheel is described as large, fitting the supercar aesthetic, and includes numerous physical buttons.

BYD previously surpassed Tesla as the world’s leading EV seller in the last quarter of 2023. Known for its affordable EVs, BYD also markets luxury models under the Yangwang and Fang Cheng Bao brands, banking on the continued demand for high-end products and anticipating better profit margins in the competitive market.

BYD’s Yangwang brand plans to launch more luxury EVs in China, including a sedan priced at around 1 million yuan ($138,900). Yangwang, which started delivering cars in November last year, currently offers the U8 luxury sports utility vehicle priced at 1.1 million yuan ($152,830).

Competitive EV industry: Due to substantial subsidies from the Chinese government, China is producing an excess of EVs. However, the gap between BYD and Tesla is reportedly narrowing, signaling a shift in the auto industry’s competitive landscape. Automakers, such as Toyota and Volkswagen, are also investing in new EV projects to rival Tesla, while BYD maintains its competitive edge with relative affordability and rapid innovation.