BYD Is Testing a Phantom-Like Sedan and Cullinan Rival

BYD Sets Sights at Rolls Royce

BYD’s high-end sub-brand, Yangwang, is expanding beyond its initial lineup as new spy shots reveal plans for ultra-luxury flagship vehicles. The brand previously established its technical credentials with the U8, a heavy-duty off-roader that garnered international attention for its unique ability to float on water and perform tank maneuvers.Building on that rugged foundation and the record-breaking U9 supercar, Yangwang is now aiming directly at the absolute pinnacle of traditional automotive luxury. This marks a significant escalation in BYD’s corporate strategy to capture high-margin segments and elevate its global prestige.

This luxury push comes as domestic automakers rapidly accelerate their international presence. Industry projections indicate the domestic market is positioned to become the world’s top car seller, moving past long-standing global manufacturing regions. Yangwang’s development of full-size flagship vehicles highlights a clear, aggressive strategy to compete across all possible price tiers. By targeting the prestigious six-figure ultra-luxury sector, BYD hopes to prove that their engineering can match, if not exceed, legacy heritage brands.

Prototypes Reveal Phantom Silhouette and High-Tech Chassis Design

Recent spy photos from CarNewsChina show a large flagship sedan with proportions closely resembling the Rolls-Royce Phantom. The heavily disguised prototype features rear-hinged coach doors and Maybach-style disc wheels. Industry sources suggest the sedan may utilize a pillar-less chassis design to widen entry access. To achieve this, engineers are likely utilizing a load-bearing battery pack and a solid metal roof to retain structural stiffness.

Alongside the sedan, a large luxury SUV undergoing high-temperature testing displays a stately side profile similar to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Unlike the off-road-oriented U8, this model sits significantly lower and favors street-focused, low-profile tires. A single roof-mounted LiDAR unit suggests full integration with BYD’s driver-assistance package for advanced driver assisted cruising.

Powertrain specifications remain unconfirmed, though the models are expected to offer both plug-in hybrid and fully electric options. Given that domestic manufacturers have already introduced an advanced new EV hypercar to showcase extreme performance,

All About Grabbing a Piece of the Ultra Luxe Pie

The emergence of these ultra-luxury models signals a structural evolution in global automotive manufacturing. Established European brands have dominated this elite price point for decades, but competitive battery technology and rapid product development cycles are shifting market dynamics. This fundamental shift is reflected in ongoing trade discussions, President Trump even noted an openness to foreign firms building in America as domestic production scales globally.

While Yangwang remains a low-volume halo brand, its growth trajectory reflects long-term brand equity goals. Rather than relying solely on volume sales, these flagship models serve to demonstrate absolute engineering capability. If BYD can successfully combine traditional coach-built luxury cues with modern electrification, established heritage brands will face an uphill battle.