BYD drops 2-ton tree on $180,000 EV multiple times in durability stunt

In the demonstration video, BYD engineers repeatedly lifted the massive palm tree to a vertical position and allowed it to fall onto the roof of the U8L three times, with each drop increasing in height to intensify the impact.

According to Shenzhen-based EV maker, the maximum energy impact reached 50.4 kJ, which is equivalent to an air conditioning unit falling from a 40-story building, Carscoops reported.

Despite the force of the drops, the long-wheelbase U8L barely seemed affected. The cant rail, the structural metal above the door, developed a dent that grew with each impact, but the driver’s door remained operational, the windows stayed intact, and the suspension and wheels were unaffected. After the final strike, the SUV simply restarted and drove away.

The firm emphasized that the goal of this test was to ensure the structure remains intact enough for passengers to exit and rescuers to enter, making even a severe accident manageable.

The BYD YangWang U8L. Photo from X

The U8L, a long-wheelbase version of the U8 off-road SUV and part of BYD’s ultra-luxury YangWang sub-brand, is among the most expensive Chinese EVs, starting at about $180,000, according to Electrek.

The stunt is the latest in a series of demonstrations aimed at proving the U8’s durability and solidifying its reputation as the toughest luxury SUV ever built in China, and possibly the toughest in the world. Previous tests have demonstrated the U8’s ability to spin on the spot using its quad-motor powertrain and float across water with its sealed body.

The U8L features a quad-motor extended-range electric vehicle system, offering a CLTC range of 200 km on battery alone. A 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine serves as a generator, extending the combined CLTC range to 1,160 km.

At 5,400 mm in length, 2,049 mm in width, and 1,921 mm in height, the YangWang U8L is larger than both the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Range Rover Long Wheelbase.