Chinese car manufacturer BYD is preparing to unveil an ultra-luxury electric limousine under its Yangwang brand in the United Arab Emirates, reportedly in Dubai on November 5.

The new flagship, codenamed ‘HU’, could cost around €250,000 in China, underscoring the group’s ambitions. But could it also challenge established luxury brands such as Mercedes-Maybach and Rolls-Royce in Europe?

While BYD is best known in Europe for its affordable electric and plug-in hybrid cars, the Chinese company has a tiered approach to the market. Its sub-brand Denza has a more premium positioning, while Yangwang is the group’s brand for high-end and technologically advanced vehicles.

Electric limousine on November 5

While Yangwang has already launched the U7 luxury sedan, the range-extended electric SUV U8, and the spectacular U9 supercar, it now aims to enter the top segment of the automotive world. Chinese sources claim the brand will unveil an electric limousine on November 5.

While the date has not yet been confirmed, a company executive confirmed the unveiling. Yangwang General Manager Hu Xiaoqing has previously shared photos of the model in camouflage. Chinese sources have caught the model on transport, which could support the November 5 Dubai unveiling.

The car’s name has not been confirmed yet, but its internal codename is HU. With its dimensions, distinctive upright grille, rear-hinged rear doors and overall look, the HU is clearly aimed at Rolls-Royce. The British brand already has its electric Specter.

Since the HU doesn’t have an official name yet and hasn’t been officially unveiled, there is a lot of speculation. About its technology, for example, which could include 4 electric motors, flash charging and BYD’s first solid-state battery.

The latter would align with the technology’s 2027 target. A LiDAR visible on the prototype’s roof could signal advanced driving aids or automated driving.

Also for Europe?

There is also speculation on the price point of the limousine, which is rumored to be 2 million Chinese Yuan. That equates to around € 250.000. The most comparable Chinese competitor, the JAC Group’s Maextro S800, costs only about half as much. The HU’s price is therefore a real statement.

If the HU were to come to Europe, the price could end up much higher, due to tariffs and taxes on Chinese imports. This raises the question of whether it is viable for BYD to bring the Yangwang HU to Europe, even if not for brand positioning. And for car buyers in that segment, the car would have to be top-notch, both in quality, perception, and technology.

The Yangwang brand has been confirmed for Europe. BYD Senior Vice President Stella Li previously said it would follow in Denza’s footsteps, expanding BYD’s reach across the full spectrum. More details will emerge once the car is launched.