Jonathan Phua's Reader Response #Final Draft



Vijayanthiren (2024) reports that the BYD Yangwang U9 is an all-electric supercar developed by BYD's luxury sub-brand, Yangwang, which represents a blend of advanced engineering, innovative features, and luxury. Built on BYD's proprietary e⁴ platform, the U9 is equipped with a quad-motor all-wheel-drive system that delivers 1,288 horsepower. According to Wee (2025), this power allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds, making it one of the fastest supercars around. The U9’s most unique feature is its intelligent suspension system (DiSus-X), which is designed for exceptional adaptability. This system allows the vehicle to perform groundbreaking maneuvers, such as "jumping" over obstacles such as potholes, while maintaining optimal handling and stability on different terrains with real-time adjustments made by sensors and actuators that enhance the ride comfort and performance, setting a new standard in vehicle suspension technology. BYD (2024) also notes that the U9 captures a futuristic appeal by incorporating a sleek coupe design with butterfly doors.

By combining high performance, cutting-edge suspension, and a sophisticated design, the BYD Yangwang U9 proves itself to be a fierce competitor in the supercar industry.

The U9 is a prime example of the upcoming generation of high-performance electric vehicles by setting new benchmarks for efficiency and speed. According to Kang (2024), the BYD YangWang U9 combines state-of-the-art technology with remarkable powertrain characteristics to deliver outstanding high performance. Incorporating the dual-motor all-wheel-drive technology, it is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than three seconds. Not only that, but the U9 is empowered by BYD's Blade Battery, providing better safety, thermal management, and durability, making it a high-performance electric vehicle, excelling in both speed and efficiency (BYD, 2024). Be it on the road or challenging terrain, the U9’s performance is designed to exceed expectations.

Arguably the main feature in the U9, the DiSus-X is sets new standards in automotive suspension technology, providing stability and rider comfort. This system enables the U9 to autonomously leap over obstacles such as potholes and road spikes, enhancing both safety and performance. In a demonstration, the U9 accelerated to 120 km/h and used its suspension to jump six meters forward, clearing a pothole and a set of road spikes without driver intervention. (Carter, 2025). This was achieved through the suspension's ability to compress and quickly re-expand, generating lift to elevate the vehicle off the ground. BYD's chairman, Wang Chuanfu, highlighted this advancement, stating that the DiSus-X system marks a significant breakthrough for the company. (Parsons, 2025). The first of its kind, BYD Yangwang U9's DiSus-X, is a window into the future of automotive engineering, providing enhanced safety alongside performance.

The BYD Yangwang U9 showcases an elegant yet functional design, featuring smooth body contours and a precisely crafted interior that exudes sophistication. It has a distinct "Time Gate" design, which solidifies its position as an electric supercar by creating a powerful visual identity characterized by unique proportions, dynamic tension, and an overall sense of strength (BYD, 2024). Butterfly doors are another feature of the U9's design that not only add to the vehicle's eye-catching, futuristic appearance but also facilitate entry and exit in tight areas. The dramatic upward opening adds a sense of luxury and advanced technology to the vehicle’s overall design

(Monika, 2024). When combined, these design elements give the U9 a remarkable driving experience by fusing its innovative technology with its stunning appearance.

Despite being a high-performance electric supercar, the BYD Yangwang U9 has it’s drawbacks when compared to the Tesla Model S Plaid and Rimac Nevera. With 1,914 horsepower compared to 1,400 horsepower, the Nevera performs better than the U9, offering better speed and acceleration as well as a track record of success in high-performance racing (Rimac, 2025). Despite not being a supercar, the Tesla Model S Plaid outperforms the U9 in terms of technology and utility, having a range of 390 miles and sophisticated Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, two features that the U9 is currently working on (Tesla, 2025).

The U9 still has some key advantages over the other 2 models, though, thanks to its special suspension system, DiSus-X, which improves handling and agility by enabling unusual movements such as jumping and three-wheel driving (BYD, 2024). Furthermore, as compared to its competitors' conventional lithium-ion batteries, BYD's Blade Battery technology provides superior safety, temperature control, and longevity (BYD, 2024). While the Nevera leads in speed and the Model S Plaid in range and software. The U9 proves to be a formidable rival in the electric supercar market with its striking mix between extreme performance, cutting-edge suspension, and battery innovation.

Overall, the BYD Yangwang U9 is a revolutionary electric supercar that combines innovation, great performance, and state-of-the-art technology. It raises the bar for efficiency and safety with technologies like the Blade Battery and the DiSus-X. Even though Rimac and Tesla are fierce rivals, its distinct combination of strength, style, and cutting-edge technology sets it apart in the rapidly changing electric supercar industry.



References

BYD. (2024). BYD Singapore.
https://www.byd.com/sg

BYD. (2024, February 25). Yangwang launched the U9 priced at 1.68 million RMB. https://www.byd.com/us/news-list/YANGWANG-Launched-the-U9-Priced-at-1-68-Million-RMB

Carter, T. (2025, January 8). Watch BYD's electric supercar 'jump' 6 meters over a pothole. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/watch-byd-electric-supercar-jump-six-meters-over-a-pothole-2025-1

Kang, L. (2024, August 13). BYD YangWang U9 top speed reaches 375 km/h. CNEVPost. https://cnevpost.com/2024/08/13/byd-yangwang-u9-top-speed-375-km-h/

Monika. (2024, April 22). Static experience of BYD YANGWANG’s U9 supercar priced at 1.68 million yuan. AutoNews Gasgoo. https://autonews.gasgoo.com/m/70032574.html

Parsons, F. (2024, January 16). Chinese supercar jumps over a pothole in impressive feat. The Irish Sun. https://www.thesun.ie/motors/14539318/chinese-supercar-pothole-flying/

Rimac Automobili. (2025). Nevera specifications. https://www.rimac-automobili.com

Tesla. (2025). Model S Plaid features. https://www.tesla.com

Vijayanthiren, V. (2024, November 15). BYD Yangwang U9 electric supercar sets record at Nürburgring. Motor Authority. https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1143696_byd-yangwang-u9-electric-supercar-ring-time-7-17

Wee, M. (2025, January 17). Recap: Yangwang U9 showcased at Singapore Motor Show. SGCarMart. https://www.sgcarmart.com/articles/news/recap-yangwang-u9-showcased-at-singapore-motor-show-36474

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