BYD launches Yangwang Altior ultra-luxury electric sedan

Chinese carmaker BYD unveiled the Yangwang Altior, an electric sedan positioned as an ultra-luxury model, at a global launch event in the United Arab Emirates. The vehicle, offered in a limited-edition ‘Shanhe Dingyun’ version, is priced from 2.08 million yuan (approximately A$451,000) in China and will be produced in a run of 399 units worldwide.

Measuring 5,600 mm in length, 2,030 mm in width and 1,590 mm in height, the Altior sits between the dimensions of the Rolls-Royce Ghost and the standard-wheelbase Phantom. Its exterior includes a front grille styled to resemble jewellery and a lighting system with 12 sequential elements that activate as the vehicle approaches. Coach-style doors open up to 80 degrees at the front and 90 degrees at the rear.

The cabin is configured for four passengers with a focus on rear-seat comfort. Interior finishes feature yellow Hetian jade, Suzhou embroidery, full-grain semi-aniline leather, wool floor mats and natural wood. Rear seats are described as aviation-style zero-gravity seats with mechanical massage functions and a one-touch relaxation mode that coordinates seat position, lighting, sound and fragrance. Additional amenities include a 39-speaker Dynaudio sound system, a 21.4-inch overhead entertainment screen and front and rear refrigerators, the latter with a 5.5-litre capacity that can both cool and warm contents.

The Altior is built on BYD’s e⁴ platform, which uses four independently controlled electric motors to distribute torque to each wheel more than 100 times per second. BYD says the system enhances stability, including during a high-speed tyre blowout, and provides emergency flotation and a tank-turn function for water entry. The platform works with a fully active body control system that adjusts suspension in real time, and the model is the first BYD vehicle to incorporate the company’s 4nm Xuanji A3 assisted-driving chip, supporting the ‘God’s Eye A’ navigation and parking assistance suite.

Power is supplied by BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery, which the company claims delivers a driving range of over 1,000 km on the Chinese CLTC test cycle, though detailed output and charging specifications have not been released. The Altior will be offered in Executive and Bespoke editions, the latter providing additional personalization options.

"Altior represents our vision for the future of Chinese luxury," BYD executive vice-president Stella Li said in a release. "Our engineers, designers and craftspeople have worked together to give that heritage a contemporary expression through design, craftsmanship and technology. The result is a vehicle with luxury in every fibre and power in its soul."

BYD has not yet announced availability outside China or confirmed whether the model will be sold in Australia.