BYD Unveils Yangwang U7 with World-First 'Crab Walk' Feature and Advanced Wheel Control Technology

Shenzhen - On March 27, BYD introduced the Yangwang U7, the third model in its premium Yangwang brand lineup, showcasing its latest innovation in the high-end automotive market.

Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD, highlighted that the Yangwang U7 is equipped with the DiSus-Z body control system, which, for the first time in the automotive field, uses electromagnetic to achieve a fully electric chassis.

This breakthrough marks the advent of an era in new-energy vehicles that now integrate batteries, motors, electronic controls, and electric suspension.

The Yangwang U7's DiSus-Z chassis design boosts its stability on rough terrain. Bridging News reporters observed during their test drive that while the vehicle's rear showed noticeable vibrations on uneven surfaces without the system activated, these were greatly reduced once the system was engaged.

When the system was off, the rear of the Yangwang U7 displayed noticeable vibrations. (GIF/Huxin Luo )

When the system was activated, the rear of the Yangwang U7 showed improved stability. (GIF/Huxin Luo )

The Yangwang U7 boasts independent wheel control technology, which manages each of its four wheels at a millisecond level. This advanced system enables features like in-place U-turns, fixed-wheel rotations, and the world’s first "parallel lateral moving" function, allowing the vehicle to move sideways like a crab.

A video presented at the press event highlighted how this feature is especially valuable for side-parking in tight spots and giving way to oncoming traffic.

The Yangwang U7 moves horizontally. (GIF/Huxin Luo)

Melnikov Anton, co-host of the YouTube channel Pandaway, was enthusiastic about the U7’s ability to automatically adjust its height to tackle obstacles, calling it "a real revolution in the car industry." 

Car YouTuber Nick Kolodko, while impressed by the chassis and suspension’s lateral movement, questioned its practical value in light of the rapid progress in autonomous driving and self-parking technologies. However, he acknowledged that combining such dynamic chassis functions with autonomous systems could unlock tremendous potential.

As a flagship model for BYD’s push into the luxury segment, the Yangwang U7 reflects BYD’s strategic commitment to high-end vehicles. BYD’s recent annual report shows that its luxury car sales reached 190,000 units in 2024, a 40% increase from 2023.

Car reviewer Li Fei highlighted that BYD’s long-standing cost and resource advantages, gained through favorable pricing agreements with automotive material suppliers during years of producing economical models, have created a solid foundation for launching high-end products. 

He also pointed out that by making small adjustments to materials and production molds, BYD can repurpose its existing production lines for luxury models, significantly lowering overall costs.