- BYD showcased the Yangwang U8 to local customers during a new store opening in the UAE in September 2024.
- Yangwang represents one of the most premium brands developed by a Chinese automaker.
BYD (HKG: 1211) plans to begin global rollout of its ultra-luxury brand Yangwang starting in the Middle East in early 2026.
The company's executive vice president Stella Li mentioned the plan during a media event in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan province, according to a brief report by local outlet Cailian today.
She said that following its Middle East debut, Yangwang will expand into Europe before entering the Americas.
BYD launched the Yangwang brand in China on January 5, 2023, and released its first model, the Yangwang U8 SUV (sport utility vehicle), on September 20 of the same year.
Priced starting at RMB 1,098,000 ($154,070), the Yangwang U8 ranks among the most expensive models from Chinese automakers.
The brand also offers the pricier U8L SUV, starting at RMB 1,280,000 in China; the U9 electric supercar, starting at RMB 1,800,000; and the more affordable U7 sedan, starting at RMB 628,000.
In late September, Yangwang unveiled the U9 Xtreme electric supercar and began accepting reservations for its limited run of 30 units worldwide.
In September 2024, BYD partnered with Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company to open its second flagship store in the UAE, showcasing the Yangwang U8 during the opening ceremony.
BYD said at the time that the Yangwang U8 was expected to go on sale in the UAE in 2025.
In July, Autocar cited Li as saying BYD planned to introduce Yangwang to the European market in early 2026.
($1 = RMB 7.1269)
