BYD U7: 1000hp rival to Tesla Model S, i5 and EQE unveiled

BYD has unveiled a rival to large luxury electric sedans such as the BMW i5, Mercedes EQE and Tesla Model S.

Official images of the Yangwang U7 – which sits under BYD's premium sub-brand – were released on the company's Chinese social media channels.

Using the same 'e4' battery platform as the U8 SUV and U9 supercar, BYD is said to have confirmed the U7 four-door will feature four electric motors – and produce more than 1000hp (745kW).

Chinese media are reporting the U7 will be 5.2 metres long, which would make the Yangwang sedan slightly longer than the 5m Model S and 5.1m i5.

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The U7 shares design cues with the U9 - such as the dramatic, C-shaped headlights and full-width tail-lights - while it also has some resemblance to the BYD Seal that recently went on sale in Australia.

BYD is said to be claiming the U7 will have incredibly slippery aerodynamics, with a 0.195Cd figure.

The U9 supercar is yet to go on sale, though the first Yangwang showroom model, the U8 (pictured below), is under consideration for Australia, according to insiders.

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BYD has three electric models now on sale in Australia, with the Seal midsized sedan joining the Dolphin hatchback and Atto 3 compact SUV.

This year the Chinese brand will introduce a dual-cab ute along with an SUV that's expected to be the Seal U.

BYD's BEV (battery electric vehicle) sales overtook Tesla in the last quarter of 2023 and it could become the world's No.1 BEV produce this year.