The Chinese are in the midst of a massive expansion, showcasing their entire repertoire of 1,450 cars at the Beijing Auto Show, which runs until May 3. Naturally, they also displayed the powerful off-road vehicle Yangwang U8, a Chinese marvel that floats through water and spins on the spot.
Under the hood of the U8 lies range-extender technology, based on a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and four electric motors that together produce an incredible 1,180 hp and 1,280 Nm of torque.
Despite weighing nearly 3.5 tons, the U8 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h – figures that easily rival much lighter sports SUVs. However, that's only part of its capabilities.
Can the car really float?
Yes, and it's not a marketing gimmick. The Yangwang U8 was designed as a response to increasingly frequent floods in parts of China, with the goal of allowing the driver and passengers to safely leave a danger zone even when the road is underwater.
When sensors detect a depth of one meter, the car automatically raises the windows and opens the panoramic sunroof. From that moment, the driver operates the vehicle as usual, only with water beneath them instead of asphalt. Each wheel works independently and can push the vehicle in any direction. The vehicle submerges in water up to one meter deep, navigation can last up to 30 minutes, and the IP68 certification ensures the vehicle won't suffer permanent damage from submersion.
What does moving through water feel like from inside?
The experience of navigating the U8 through water is, to say the least, surreal. The front of the vehicle dips dramatically because the heaviest components are located there, and the water around the front wheels creates strong vortices. When the windows close, the sense of safety is surprisingly present, but the water level against the glass can be somewhat unsettling, according to comments from those who tested the water navigation.
After exiting the water, opening the doors reveals that the body has taken on some water, but not a single drop entered the passenger compartment. The IP68 certification does its job.
Additionally, the U8 can spin on the spot like a tank and conquers off-road terrain without mercy for off-road kings, making it one of the most versatile and unusual vehicles on the market today.