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Yangwang U7: New Variant Boasts 1,000km+ Range, Challenging mercedes-Benz EQS and BMW i7
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Published January 1, 2026, at 17:42:43 PST
The Challenge to Luxury EV Range
BYD’s ultra-luxury brand, Yangwang, is considerably raising the bar for electric vehicle range with a new variant of its flagship U7 sedan. this growth directly challenges established luxury EVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQS and BMW i7,which currently offer ranges that,while competitive,fall short of the U7’s claimed 1,000+ kilometer capability.The extended range addresses a key concern for potential EV buyers: range anxiety.
Battery Technology and Specifications
The extended range is achieved through a massive 150.01 kWh battery pack,utilizing Lithium iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry with BYD’s “Blade” battery technology. According to data released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Data technology (MIIT) and reported by Carnewschina, this configuration results in a CLTC (China Light-Duty vehicle Test Cycle) certified range of 1,006 kilometers (approximately 625 miles). LFP batteries are known for their safety and longevity, though typically offer lower energy density than Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) or Nickel Cobalt Aluminum (NCA) batteries. BYD’s Blade battery design addresses this by integrating cells directly into the pack structure, increasing volumetric energy density.
Here’s a comparison of the range of the Yangwang U7 with its competitors (as of January 1, 2026):
| Vehicle | Range (CLTC/WLTP/EPA) | Battery Capacity (kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Yangwang U7 (New Variant) | 1,006 km (CLTC) | 150.01 |
| Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ | 785 km (WLTP) / 350 miles (EPA) | 107.8 |
| BMW i7 xDrive60 | 625 km (WLTP) / 318 miles (EPA) | 101.7 |
| Tesla Model S Long Range | 652 km (WLTP) / 405 miles (EPA) | 100 |
Note: Range figures vary significantly depending on testing standards (CLTC, WLTP, EPA). CLTC generally yields higher range estimates than WLTP or EPA.
Implications for the Luxury EV Market
The Yangwang U7’s extended range has the potential to significantly impact the luxury EV market. Range anxiety remains a major barrier to EV adoption, and a vehicle exceeding 1,000 km on a single charge alleviates this concern for many potential buyers. this could attract customers who have previously hesitated to switch to electric vehicles due to range limitations. BYD’s aggressive pricing strategy, typical of its vehicles, could further enhance the U7’s appeal.
