Chinese EV BYD Yangwang U8 shows off its insane off-roading capabilities in video that looks like AI but it's 100% real
Published on Jun 13, 2026 at 10:09 AM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Jun 13, 2026 at 10:09 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
This video of a BYD Yangwang U8 showing off its off-roading capabilities looks as if it’s AI-generated, but it’s totally real.
In the clip, the Chinese EV is shown taking on inclines, descents and various aspects of a ‘rough terrain’.
While the course had been set out to rock the car, you wouldn’t have known watching this U8.
It moved along effortlessly, demonstrating how capable the car is of tackling real-world landscapes.
The BYD Yangwang U8 made off-roading look like a casual morning drive
The clip was shared online by YouTube channel CarForLife.
The video showed a BYD Yangwang U8 taking on some angles that were downright supernatural.
In this day and age of AI deepfakes, you’d be right to question what your eyes are seeing.
But this is all too real, speaking to what this SUV is capable of.
At one point, the U8 hangs on the edge of a steep incline, almost like a climber hanging on a cliff-edge by his fingertips.
These are angles that most drivers wouldn’t dare put their cars into.
But here the Yangwang U8 is, casually gliding up and down like a kart on a track.
BYD’s cars have serious form when it comes to off-roading
There’s been a lot of talk about BYD and its sales figures, particularly in comparison to American rival Tesla.
But what’s not getting as much attention is the awesome off-roading skills that the brand has invested a lot of time into finetuning.
The Leopard 5 more than proved its worth as an off-roader when it took on this 45-degree incline climb.
And that’s not forgetting what the U8L is capable of in deep waters.
Timeline of the BYD Yangwang U8
January 2023: The Yangwang sub-brand is unveiled.
April 18, 2023: The U8 made its public debut at the Shanghai Auto Show.
September 20, 2023: The U8 Premium Edition is launched.
November 2023: First batch of U8 Premium Edition rolls off the production line.
February – March 2024: The U8 is showcased at the Geneva International Motor Show.
April 2025: A lengthened version – the U8L – is unveiled.
September 2025: The U8L is officially launched in the Chinese market.
Ben joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025 after being published by international organizations including LADbible, The Sun, the New York Post, and the Daily Mail. He covers supercars, rare and collectible vehicles, aviation, luxury assets, and the fascinating people behind them. His reporting has explored everything from seven-figure supercars and historic Ferrari collections to unusual aircraft adventures and extraordinary automotive discoveries from around the world. Ben has also gained first-hand insight into vehicle craftsmanship and customization, including visiting specialist workshops to see bespoke vehicles up close.
