BYD aims to rival Rolls-Royce with new Yangwang Altior electric flagship

Share current article via EmailShare current article via FacebookShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInMotoring StaffEnter fullscreen mode displaying this image.ExpandThe Yangwang Altior is China’s answer to the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Picture: BYD Story audio is generated using AI

BYD’s luxury brand Yangwang has unveiled the all-electric Altior at its global premiere in Abu Dhabi.

Positioned as a rival to the likes of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, the flagship model combines four-motor electric technology with a highly customised four-seat interior.

Developed over three years, the Altior — the Latin word meaning “higher” — draws inspiration from traditional Chinese design and craftsmanship. It will be offered in Executive and Bespoke editions, with the latter providing greater scope for individual finishes.

The Altior sits between the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Phantom in terms of size. Picture: BYD A stately exteriorThe Altior’s design takes inspiration from the ancient Chinese ding, a ceremonial bronze vessel. Its exterior is distinguished by a short front overhang, near-vertical front end and two prominent character lines running along the body.

Measuring 5,600mm long, 2,030mm wide and 1,590mm tall, the electric flagship has a wheelbase of 3,500mm. This puts it between the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Phantom in terms of size.

The front grille incorporates individually finished decorative elements surrounding Yangwang’s oracle-bone-script emblem. The lighting system comprises 12 elements that illuminate sequentially from the outside towards the centre as the owner approaches.

The vehicle also has coach-style doors, with the front doors opening to 80º and the rear doors to 90º. Bespoke umbrellas are integrated into the doors.

Three 21″ wheel designs will be available: multi-spoke, polished disc and fully enclosed. All are paired with 275/45 profile low-noise tyres.

Both rear seats offer aviation-style zero-gravity positioning and mechanical massage systems equipped with four ball-shaped massage heads. Picture: BYD An opulent cabinThe Altior has a four-seat configuration, with particular emphasis on rear passenger comfort and personalisation.

The cabin combines traditional Chinese craftsmanship with contemporary materials. Details include yellow Hetian jade around the air vents, Suzhou embroidery on the upholstery and decorative cloud patterns incorporated into the perforated leather.

Other materials include full-grain semi-aniline leather, pure-wool floor mats and selected natural wood finishes. Real-metal switches and 48 jewellery-inspired decorative elements are distributed across 11 areas of the cabin.

Rear passengers have 354mm of knee room and 1,209mm of legroom. The front passenger seat can also be folded forward at the touch of a button to create additional space for the rear executive passenger.

Both rear seats offer aviation-style zero-gravity positioning and mechanical massage systems equipped with four ball-shaped massage heads. A one-touch relaxation mode co-ordinates the seats, lighting, sound and fragrance. It also closes the sun blinds and raises the leg rests.

The entertainment system includes a 39-speaker Dynaudio Platinum Evidence sound system with retractable, rotating tweeters. A powered 21.4″ overhead screen provides entertainment and supports screen sharing for conference calls.

There are separate refrigerators for front and rear occupants, with the 5.5l rear unit featuring independently controlled cooling and warming functions.

The Altior is also the first model to use BYD’s independently developed 4nm Xuanji A3 assisted-driving chip. Picture: BYD Technology and powertrainThe Altior is built on Yangwang’s e⁴ Platform, which uses four independently controlled electric motors to manage torque at each wheel.

The system can adjust the amount and direction of driving force more than 100 times per second, allowing it to respond to changing road conditions and help maintain stability. BYD also claims the technology can help the vehicle maintain control following a high-speed tyre blowout.

The platform enables a tank-turn function, allowing the vehicle to rotate within a tight space. An emergency flotation system is designed to provide additional support if the vehicle accidentally enters water.

The e⁴ system works alongside BYD’s next-generation DiSus fully active body control system. It monitors road conditions and adjusts the suspension in real time, managing vehicle movement across six degrees of freedom to improve ride comfort and control body movements through corners.

The Altior is also the first model to use BYD’s independently developed 4nm Xuanji A3 assisted-driving chip. It works with the company’s God’s Eye A system, which offers assisted-driving functions including parking-space-to-parking-space navigation, motorway and urban navigation assistance, and automated parking assistance.

Bespoke umbrellas are integrated into the doors. Picture: BYD Battery and rangePower comes from BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery, enabling a maximum driving range of over 1,000km on China’s CLTC test cycle. The Altior also incorporates BYD’s ultra-rapid — up to 1,500kW peak Flash Charging technology, though the manufacturer has yet to release detailed charging specifications.

The entertainment system includes a 39-speaker Dynaudio Platinum Evidence sound system. Picture: BYD Two editions from launchThe Altior will be available in Executive and Bespoke versions when it launches to the Chinese domestic market next year.

The first Bespoke edition, called Shanhe Dingyun, has a brown and gold exterior colour scheme and a jade-inspired interior. Production will be limited.

Would you like to comment on this article?Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.