China’s BYD has confirmed plans to launch its ultra-premium Yangwang brand – which makes the ‘jumping’ U9 electric supercar – in Europe as a rival to Porsche, Bentley and Jaguar.
Speaking to Autocar, BYD vice president Stella Li said, “Our plan is that we bring Yangwang to Europe”, with the British publication suggesting the EV (electric vehicle) brand’s launch sometime after the Denza brand’s 2026 Europe kick-off.
It’s the first market outside of China and Hong Kong where the Yangwang brand is launching.
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ABOVE: Yangwang U9
Formed in 2022, Yangwang sits atop BYD’s brand hierarchy and features the automaker giant’s most expensive, exclusive and luxurious models.
This currently includes the ‘jumping’ 960kW U9 electric supercar, quad-motor U7 electric sedan and the amphibious U8 large SUV, an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV).
While not yet locked in for Australia, the local BYD office wouldn’t rule out the Yangwang luxury brand for local showrooms when asked by CarExpert, and the U8 off-roader has been spied testing in the Australian outback and displayed in local showrooms.
ABOVE: Yangwang U8
The U8’s price in China converts to $234,679 before on-road costs, the highest price for a Chinese-made vehicle at the time (since overtaken by the U9). It would therefore break new ground for a Chinese brand here, too.
Right-hand drive production of the U8 – which is even bigger than a Toyota LandCruiser – started in late 2024, making an Australian launch more feasible.
The U8 was shown to Australian media on a recent trip to China, suggesting it – and the Yangwang brand – may be heading here.
ABOVE: Yangwang U7
Earlier this year, BYD told CarExpert “Nothing’s off the table” when it comes to the models it’s considering for Australia from BYD and any of its brands, which comprise Denza, Fangchengbao and Yangwang.
Of these, BYD Australia has confirmed Denza will be offered in Australia with a planned launch set for late 2025 – and has also suggested some Fangchengbao models will be offered here under the Denza name.
Denza sits above BYD in the brand’s portfolio as a premium offering, but Yangwang is designed to compete in a more expensive, ultra-exclusive territory against the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin.
BYD has not yet officially confirmed which Denza models will be sold in Australia but has previously invited media to drive the Z9 GT – a Porsche Taycan-rivalling grand tourer offered with both plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains in China.
ABOVE: Denza Z9 GT
Denza also makes the Range Rover-rivalling U9 large SUV and the D9 luxury people-mover – a rival to the Zeekr 009 which went on sale in Australia earlier this year – both offered with hybrid and EV powertrain choices.
A rival to Geely-owned Zeekr, Denza’s launch will follow that of SAIC Motor’s IM Motors brand – officially named ‘IM presented by MG’ – which opened its order books in Australia in June 2025.
MORE: Denza brand locked in for Australia
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