The Yangwang Altior is China’s first rival to Rolls-Royce, offering a Chinese take on top-end luxury with a fully electric powertrain. The luxury saloon’s design is inspired by the ‘ding’, an ancient Chinese ceremonial bronze vessel, and its name comes from the Latin word meaning ‘higher’.
Despite its traditional influences, the Altior features ultra-modern technology, including BYD’s second-generation Blade batteries. The car’s 5.6-metre-long body houses four independently controlled electric motors, which can adjust their torque output over 100 times per second.
Yangwang, an upmarket division of BYD Auto, recently set a Guinness World Record for the fastest production car with its electric U9 Xtreme, reaching 312mph. The Altior is expected to offer a more refined driving experience, with features like ’emergency flotation capability’ and the ability to ‘tank turn’.
The exact technical specification of the Altior is currently under wraps, but it is capable of over 621 miles on the Chinese CLTC combined test cycle. Inside, the car features a 3.5-metre wheelbase, hand-polished yellow Hetian jade air vents, and traditional Suzhou embroidery on the seats.
Passengers can enjoy ‘zero-gravity’ seats with a massage function, a 21.4-inch overhead screen, and a 39-speaker Dynaudio Platinum Evidence sound system. The car also has refrigerated storage compartments for both the front and rear seats.
BYD executive vice president Stella Li said: “Altior brings together the depth of Chinese culture and our ambition to create something extraordinary for the people who will experience it.” Li added that the car represents BYD’s vision for the future of Chinese luxury, combining heritage with contemporary design, craftsmanship, and technology.
Although it is unclear if the Yangwang Altior will be sold in the UK, the car is a significant development in the luxury car market.
