In a move that challenges the global trend of phasing out internal combustion engines (ICEs), Chinese automaker BYD has introduced a fresh take on the horizontally-opposed engine layout. This new engine, designed for the luxury plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the Yangwang U7 sedan, boasts impressive power and efficiency, generating 241 horsepower from a compact 2.0-liter displacement.
The Yangwang brand, a luxury arm under BYD, has developed the boxer-four engine specifically for the PHEV version of the U7 sedan. While the all-electric variant offers superior performance, the PHEV’s standout feature is its remarkable range, with BYD claiming over 600 miles on a single fuel tank. Unconventionally, the engine is positioned atop the U7’s existing front motors, which take up the entire front subframe, and appears to function more as a generator to charge the vehicle’s batteries rather than directly powering the wheels. This configuration suggests that the engine-equipped version of the U7 might be classified as an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV), where the engine serves solely to extend driving range rather than provide direct propulsion.
BYD, renowned for its dominance in the electric vehicle market—having surpassed Tesla in global EV sales—has demonstrated that it has no intention of abandoning traditional engines. The new boxer engine, engineered to be slimmer than equivalent units like the Porsche flat engine, is also exceptionally quiet, operating just one decibel louder than the fully electric version of the same vehicle. This development reflects BYD’s commitment to both performance and refinement.
Beyond the innovative engine, the U7 also features BYD’s cutting-edge active suspension system and four-motor control technology, offering remarkable capabilities such as tank turns and near-zero-point turns on loose surfaces. While such features may not be practical in everyday driving, they highlight BYD’s relentless pursuit of innovation and unconventional solutions, especially in integrating traditional engines with electric motor systems.
As BYD continues to push boundaries, the Yangwang U7 PHEV represents a significant step in the evolution of hybrid technology, combining the best of both worlds: powerful electric motors and a new generation of internal combustion engines.