BYD’s ultra-luxury division, Yangwang, has officially unveiled its flagship Altior limousine at a global premiere in Abu Dhabi, taking direct aim at the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. Pre-sales have opened in China at 2,080,000 yuan (roughly AU$450,000), with buyers required to place a 300,000 yuan deposit.
Despite headlines rounding the figure down to 5.5 metres, official specifications confirm the Altior (known domestically as the Dingyao) actually stretches an imposing 5600mm in length, 2030mm in width, and 1590mm in height. Riding on a colossal 3500mm wheelbase, the upright three-box sedan is 201mm longer than a standard Rolls-Royce Ghost.
Visually, the Altior makes no attempt at subtlety. The front fascia is dominated by a 137-gemstone-cut grille, diamond-cut crystal headlights, and a 24-karat pure gold emblem, complemented by a 4.8-metre hand-painted dual coachline and 21-inch polished monoblock dish wheels with self-levelling centre caps.
Rear-hinged coach doors swing open to 90 degrees – complete with integrated door-frame umbrellas – to reveal a four-seat cabin trimmed in semi-aniline leather and natural lamb’s wool mats.
Rear passengers are treated to zero-gravity massage recliners, a folding 21.4-inch ceiling display, dual 5.5-litre refrigerators, a 39-speaker Dynaudio Platinum Evidence sound system, and a motorised champagne flute compartment.
Under the skin, the Altior sits on BYD’s quad-motor ‘e4’ platform with four electric motors producing 970kW (1300hp), paired with predictive DiSus active suspension. This hardware enables tank turns, crab-walking, high-speed tyre blowout stability, and even emergency water flotation.
Power comes from a second-generation Blade Battery built on a 1000-volt electrical architecture, delivering a claimed CLTC range exceeding 1000km (approximately 800–820km WLTP), and megawatt-level flash charging capable of replenishing the pack from 10-70 per cent in just five minutes.
No word on whether this majestic limo will ever make it to Australia. Chances are, probably. At some point.
