BYD has unveiled the Yangwang Altior, an all-electric luxury sedan positioned to compete with ultra-luxury offerings such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom. The flagship model made its global debut in Abu Dhabi, UAE, showcasing an elaborate design, a four-seat cabin and several technology-focused features.
The Altior draws inspiration from the traditional Chinese bronze ceremonial vessel known as a ‘ding’. Its name is derived from the Latin word for ‘higher’, while its Chinese name is Dingyao. BYD’s luxury division will offer the electric sedan in Executive and Bespoke editions, with the latter featuring exclusive customisation options and limited production.
BYD Yangwang Altior: Exterior design and dimensions
The Yangwang Altior features an upright front fascia, a prominent grille and an elongated body. The front grille incorporates individually polished decorative elements inspired by high jewellery, surrounding the brand’s distinctive oracle-bone-script emblem.
Its lighting setup comprises 12 individual elements designed to illuminate and rotate in a coordinated sequence as someone approaches the vehicle. The sedan also features a relatively short front overhang and a sculpted bonnet.
One of its distinctive design elements is the rear-hinged back door arrangement, similar to the coach doors seen on Rolls-Royce models. The front doors open up to 80 degrees, while the rear doors can open up to 90 degrees. Both sets of doors also incorporate umbrella storage.
The side profile features two prominent character lines extending towards the rear, while the 21-inch alloy wheels are available in three designs. At the back, slim LED tail-lamps are connected visually by a chrome strip.
In terms of dimensions, the Altior measures 5600 mm in length, 2030 mm in width and 1590 mm in height. It has a substantial 3500 mm wheelbase, which should provide considerable cabin space. The model has been showcased in a two-tone exterior finish with contrasting shades on the bonnet and roof.
BYD Yangwang Altior: Interior and luxury features
The Yangwang Altior gets a four-seat configuration, with a strong emphasis on rear passenger comfort. The cabin features a dual-tone beige and tan colour scheme, a wide dashboard display and an extensive use of premium materials.
BYD has incorporated several distinctive finishes, including Hetian jade detailing around the air-conditioning vents, Suzhou silk embroidery on the upholstery, natural wood trim and full-grain semi-aniline leather. The floor mats are made from pure wool, while the cabin also features real-metal switches.
The rear section gets two electrically adjustable zero-gravity seats with mechanical massage functionality. A one-touch relaxation mode can adjust the seating position, extend the leg rests, close the sunblinds and modify the cabin’s lighting, audio and fragrance settings.
The front passenger seat can also fold down to create additional space for the rear occupant. Other comfort features include multi-zone climate control, dual sunroofs and electrically operated doors.
Entertainment and convenience equipment includes a 39-speaker Dynaudio sound system, with retractable tweeters that rise when the vehicle is started. Rear passengers also get dual wireless charging pads and a powered 21.4-inch overhead display that supports screen sharing and conference calls.
The sedan additionally features two refrigerators, positioned at the front and rear. The rear unit has a 5.5-litre capacity and supports both cooling and warming functions. Despite its focus on passenger comfort, the Altior offers a claimed boot capacity of 532 litres.
BYD Yangwang Altior: Electric powertrain and driving technology
The Yangwang Altior is based on BYD’s e4 platform, which uses four independently controlled electric motors. This arrangement allows the system to distribute torque individually to each wheel and make adjustments more than 100 times per second, according to the manufacturer.
BYD claims this technology can help maintain vehicle stability in challenging situations, including a high-speed tyre blowout.
The electric sedan uses the company’s second-generation Blade Battery, with a claimed driving range exceeding 1000 km on the Chinese CLTC testing cycle. It also supports BYD’s Flash Charging technology, although the company has not yet disclosed detailed charging specifications or the overall motor output.
The Altior also incorporates a tank-turn function, designed to help the large sedan execute tight turns by controlling the wheels independently. Another unusual addition is an emergency flotation feature, which BYD claims can help the vehicle remain afloat if it accidentally enters water. The company has not provided further details about the system’s operating limits.
For ride quality, the sedan gets BYD’s latest DiSus fully active body control system. It uses information about the road ahead to adjust the suspension in real time, with the objective of reducing body movements and improving passenger comfort.
The advanced driver assistance package is branded God’s Eye A. It includes navigation assistance for city roads and highways, along with parking assistance and a parking-space-to-parking-space navigation function.
BYD Yangwang Altior: Executive and Bespoke editions
BYD will offer the Altior in two configurations: Executive and Bespoke. The latter will introduce exclusive design treatments and limited-production versions.
The first special edition is called Shanhe Dingyun, drawing inspiration from the imagery of mountains and rivers within a traditional Chinese ding vessel. It features a brown and gold exterior combination, complemented by a jade-inspired cabin theme.
BYD has not disclosed the production numbers, international pricing or the markets where the Altior will be available. Details regarding its potential launch in India also remain unconfirmed.
With its elaborate cabin, four-motor electric powertrain and extensive technology package, the Yangwang Altior represents BYD’s attempt to establish itself in the ultra-luxury electric vehicle segment. Its eventual pricing and market positioning will determine how it competes with established luxury marques such as Rolls-Royce.
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