BYD has revealed the name and first official teaser of its forthcoming ultra-luxury flagship sedan, the Yangwang Altior, as the Chinese manufacturer prepares to challenge established luxury brands including Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Maybach.

Previously known by its development codename HU, the Altior will make its international debut in the United Arab Emirates in early November, with reports suggesting a November 5 unveiling in Dubai.

The new model sits above Yangwang’s existing U7 sedan, U8 luxury off-roader and U9 electric supercar, extending BYD‘s ambitions into the exclusive chauffeur-driven limousine market.

Early images reveal a substantial four-door sedan featuring rear-hinged rear doors, large chrome wheels and a roof-mounted lidar sensor for advanced driver assistance technology.

Its imposing front-end design draws inspiration from the Yangwang U8 SUV, while its overall proportions suggest a direct competitor to the Rolls-Royce Ghost (below) and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.

Chinese reports indicate the Altior measures approximately 5.5 metres long, with a 3350mm wheelbase, providing considerable space for rear passengers.

The Altior name derives from the Latin word for ‘higher’, reflecting its position at the top of BYD’s expanding model hierarchy. In China, the vehicle will be called Dingyao.

Technical details remain scarce, although the Altior is expected to feature some of BYD’s most advanced electric vehicle technology.

2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost
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Possibilities include a four-motor drivetrain, sophisticated active suspension and the company’s ultra-fast charging system. There is also speculation that the flagship could introduce BYD’s forthcoming solid-state battery technology, although none of these features has been confirmed.

Pricing remains unofficial, but Chinese reports suggest a starting figure around two million yuan, equivalent to approximately $430,000 Australian dollars.

That would make the Altior substantially more expensive than any existing Yangwang model.

The choice of Dubai for its global unveiling also highlights BYD’s ambitions in the Middle Eastern luxury market.

Australian availability remains uncertain, although Yangwang’s U8 SUV has already appeared in local regulatory approval documents, suggesting the premium Chinese marque could eventually establish an Australian presence.