The notion that BYD are ahead with their high performance vehicles is debatable. The YangWang U9 boasts an attractive appearance, because in typical Chinese fashion they've taken "inspiration" from McLaren and Lamborghini. If this drove down the street though, I'm confident that even most car enthusiasts wouldn't even know what it was.
What distinguishes this vehicle from others remains unclear. Its performance does not set it apart, as evidenced by BYD's release of the U9's lap time at the Shanghai International Circuit, where it recorded a disappointing 2:17.65. Remarkably, a 2.5-ton Audi RS Q8 SUV completed the same track just two seconds slower. The U9 seems to fall into the category of typical electric vehicles, excelling primarily in straight-line acceleration. In such a case, opting for a Tesla Model 3 Performance would be a more sensible choice for comparable performance (and much less money).
While BYD have achieved significant success in the low-end segment, transitioning that success to the very high-end market will be challenging. Discerning supercar buyers seek more than just acceleration; they prioritise factors such as build quality, driving experience, brand prestige, and recognition (the "look-at-me" factor). The U9 lacks these attributes yet carries a hefty price tag of approximately $400,000 upon its arrival in Australia. Selling a $400,000 supercar while simultaneously selling a $15,000 vehicle presents a considerable marketing challenge for BYD, particularly given that their brand has been built on affordability. Ultimately, prestige buyers are hesitant to associate themselves with the lower end of the market. For many individuals, especially those in the prestige segment, their choice of cars and homes reflects their identity, and they are reluctant to invest in cheaper imitations.
Personally, I think you'd have to be out of your mind to opt for a Yangwang U9 when a Porsche Taycan Turbo S can be purchased for the same money.
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