Rolls-Royce In Trouble? BYD’s Yangwang Spotted Testing Phantom And Cullinan Rivals With Suicide Doors

Car News China

BYD’s ultra-luxury division, Yangwang, is reportedly eyeing the world’s most exclusive old-money luxury car segment, led by Rolls-Royce, after new spy shots caught its prototypes testing high-end Phantom and Cullinan fighters on Chinese roads.

Local reports suggest the two vehicles will be positioned at the very top of Yangwang’s expanding range, with the sedan expected to take aim at the Rolls-Royce Phantom while the SUV could emerge as a rival to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Car News China

While the two new flagship sedan and SUV prototypes were heavily camouflaged, their imposing, Rolls-Royce-like proportions and rear-hinged coach doors—strongly associated with Rolls-Royce—have already generated attention.

• See Also : Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung: Sold-Out 646-HP Collector’s Item Limited To Just 30 Units

Car News China

The first vehicle spotted is a high-riding sedan that heavily mimics the stately proportions of the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Its exceptionally long wheelbase gives the limousine a commanding road presence, even under heavy camouflage.

Also caught testing alongside the sedan is a massive SUV aimed squarely at the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Unlike Yangwang’s rugged U8 SUV, which focuses on hardcore off-roading, this new model is reportedly built purely for tarmac-ripping opulence.

This upcoming Yangwang luxury cruiser was spotted riding incredibly low to the ground on massive, multi-spoke wheels wrapped in low-profile tyres, very similar to Mercedes-Maybach designs, emphasising its focus on an ultra-smooth highway ride.

Car News China

Both vehicles were spotted with massive air canisters tucked beneath their rear bumpers, suggesting they may utilise BYD’s advanced DiSus-A intelligent air suspension system, which offers the kind of “magic carpet ride” associated with Rolls-Royce.

BYD’s Yangwang has already made waves with the floating U8 SUV and the U9 hypercar, the latter of which exceeded the 500 km/h (311 mph) speed barrier in U9 Xtreme guise to set a new production-car speed record. By building direct Phantom and Cullinan rivals, the Chinese giant appears ready to battle Europe’s most elite heritage brands.

Yangwang has yet to officially reveal the identities of the two prototypes, but the latest sightings highlight how aggressively BYD is expanding the luxury brand. The U8 and U9 models combine premium craftsmanship with BYD’s electric-vehicle technology and advanced vehicle systems.

• See Also : Rolls-Royce Phantom Hummingbird Unveiled With Abalone Shell Marquetry That Changes With Light