5.6 meters long, with four electric motors and a 21.4-inch screen: BYD introduces its own Rolls-Royce, the Yangwang Altior
BYD has just unveiled one of the most astonishing cars in its history. It is a massive all-electric sedan measuring 5.6 meters in length, with a certified range of over 1,000 kilometers on China’s CLTC cycle, along with uncommon technologies such as the ability to rotate on its own axis or a built-in emergency floating system. All of this is complemented by an interior featuring materials like natural jade, wood, and leather, as well as amenities designed to compete in the most exclusive segment of the automotive market.
The star of the show is the Yangwang Altior, the new flagship vehicle from BYD Group’s luxury brand, which made its global debut on Saturday, November 7, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Chinese company aims to prove that its technological capabilities extend far beyond manufacturing large-scale electric and plug-in hybrid cars, now entering a market traditionally dominated by European luxury manufacturers.
The new Altior stands out with its extraordinary dimensions. It measures 5.60 meters in length, 2.03 meters in width, and 1.59 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 3.50 meters. These proportions are typical of a large luxury limousine, featuring a body design aimed at providing ample space for its passengers. Additionally, it comes equipped with 21-inch tires and a 532-liter trunk volume—a considerable capacity for a vehicle whose primary goal is to offer maximum comfort on board.
A luxury interior with 39 speakers and two refrigerators
One of the distinctive features of the Yangwang Altior is that its design is inspired by traditional elements of Chinese culture. After three years of development, its designers used the ding, an ancient ceremonial bronze vessel, as a reference to determine the proportions of the vehicle’s body. The front end features a striking arrangement of decorative elements and a welcome lighting system with twelve components that rotate and light up sequentially as the owner approaches the vehicle.
However, the most surprising features are found in the cabin. The Altior has only four individual seats, with two large rear seats designed for maximum comfort during travel. These seats feature a zero-gravity configuration, footrests, and a mechanical massage system with four spherical heads. Rear passengers enjoy 1,209 millimeters of legroom, and they can even fold down the front passenger seat using a button to improve their field of view.
The technological amenities are equally impressive. The limousine features a Dynaudio Platinum Evidence sound system with 39 speakers, whose tweeters rise and rotate when the vehicle is started. It also has a 21.4-inch foldable touchscreen screen designed specifically for entertainment and video conferences, along with two refrigerators. The rear refrigerator has a capacity of 5.5 liters and can both cool and heat stored items.
The attention to detail extends even to the materials used inside. BYD has incorporated hand-polished Hetian yellow jade, traditional Suzhou embroidery, and 48 decorative pieces placed in eleven different locations. This is complemented by metal switches, semi-aniline leather, natural wool floor mats, and various wooden trimmings. The vehicle also features a relaxation mode that automatically adjusts the seat positions, ambient lighting, massage functions, fragrance, and blinds.
Four electric motors and it can float on water
But the Yangwang Altior is not just a large limousine made from exclusive materials. Its propulsion system features four independent electric motors, controlled through BYD’s e⁴ platform. This architecture allows for precise control over torque to each wheel, enabling adjustments over a hundred times per second. Among its most remarkable features is the ability to rotate on its own axis, a maneuver particularly impressive for a vehicle 5.6 meters long.
The technology is also designed to handle emergency situations. According to BYD, the Altior can maintain stability even when a tire bursts at high speeds. Additionally, it features an emergency floatation function designed to provide extra protection if the vehicle accidentally enters water. This is not a capability intended for regular navigation, but rather a safety system for exceptional circumstances.
In addition to these features, it comes equipped with the latest generation of the intelligent DiSus suspension, which can analyze road conditions and adjust its operation in real time to enhance comfort and control body movements. The vehicle also features BYD’s four-nanometer Xuanji A3 processor for its God’s Eye A driving assistance system, offering city and highway navigation assistance as well as advanced parking aid.
Another major innovation relates to its range. The Yangwang Altior features BYD’s second-generation Blade battery and claims over 1,000 kilometers of range in the combined CLTC cycle. It’s important to note that this Chinese homologation procedure differs from the WLTP standard used in Europe, so it doesn’t necessarily mean the vehicle can cover that distance under real-world conditions, nor does it guarantee it will achieve the same figure in our market. It also incorporates FLASH Charging fast-charging technology, though its exact specifications have not yet been detailed.
In fact, BYD has not yet revealed the combined power of its four electric motors, its performance metrics, or its price. As a result, it is unknown how many horsepower it generates, how long it takes to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, or what top speed it can reach. The exact capacity of its battery, as well as the final figures for power and charging times, have also not been disclosed. The company will announce this information later, so we still need to wait to learn about all its capabilities.
Regarding its marketing, the Yangwang Altior will come in two variants named Executive and Bespoke, the latter offering extensive customization options. The brand has already unveiled a special edition inspired by China’s traditional landscapes and craftsmanship, featuring exclusive finishes in brown and gold tones along with details inspired by jade. So far, BYD has not announced the pricing or launch schedule for this new model in various markets.
Finally, BYD plans to bring its luxury brand Yangwang to Spain, though it has not yet determined when it will enter the market or in which year it will start selling its vehicles in our country. The company has announced its intention to expand Yangwang across Europe, but it has not confirmed which models will reach each market. As such, it is also unclear whether this new 5.6-meter electric limousine will be available to Spanish buyers.