BYD’s luxury brand, Yangwang, has unveiled the Altior, a fully electric saloon with the Rolls-Royce Phantom firmly in its sights.
Revealed in Abu Dhabi, the Altior combines traditional luxury car styling with four electric motors, a spacious four-seat cabin and some unusual features, including emergency flotation technology.
The Altior bears a clear resemblance to the Rolls-Royce Phantom, with its upright front end, long bonnet and large, decorative grille. Rear-hinged coach doors add to the similarities, and there are even bespoke umbrellas tucked inside the rear doors.
At 5.6 metres long, it is 55mm longer than a standard Rolls-Royce Ghost, giving it the proportions expected of a luxury limousine.
Yangwang has also drawn on its Chinese heritage. The design takes inspiration from the ding, an ancient Chinese ceremonial bronze vessel. At the front, 12 lighting elements rotate and illuminate in sequence as the owner approaches.
A cabin built around comfort
Inside, the Altior features full-grain semi-aniline leather, natural wood and metal switches. Polished yellow Hetian jade decorates the air vents, while silk embroidery adds cloud patterns to the upholstery.
The four-seat layout gives rear passengers their own individual ‘zero-gravity’ seats with massage functions. A relaxation setting reclines the seats, raises the leg rests, closes the blinds and softens the lighting.
A 21.4-inch overhead screen provides entertainment and supports conference calls. There are also refrigerators in the front and rear, alongside a 39-speaker Dynaudio sound system.
Four electric motors and the ability to turn on the spot
The Altior uses Yangwang’s e4 platform, with a separate electric motor controlling each wheel. It adjusts the driving force more than 100 times per second, helping it respond to changing conditions.
This independent control also enables tank turns, allowing the car to rotate on the spot. Active suspension scans the road ahead and prepares for bumps to help keep the ride comfortable.
The Altior also features emergency flotation technology, designed to provide additional protection if it accidentally enters water.
Exact power figures and battery capacity have yet to be confirmed, but Yangwang claims the Altior can travel more than 621 miles on a single charge.
That figure is based on China’s CLTC test cycle, which typically produces higher range estimates than the WLTP testing used in the UK. A UK-comparable range figure therefore remains unconfirmed.
Will the Yangwang Altior come to the UK?
UK pricing and availability have not yet been announced. BYD has outlined plans to bring the Yangwang brand to Europe, but it remains unclear whether the Altior will be part of that line-up.
