Someone should check Rolls-Royce because BYD has just unveiled something that will compete against them. Called the Altior (meaning ‘higher’ in Latin), it positions itself among the topmost ultra-luxury limousine vehicles, with its features and style characterised by those of a private jet.
The Yangwang Altior measures 5.6 metres from its front bumper to its rear bumper and has a wheelbase of 3,500 mm, which is 400 mm longer than the Mercedes S-Class. Its length is 5,600 mm, it has a width of 2,030 mm, and its height measures 1,590 mm.
Its front grille features diamond-like styling elements and has a unique headlight set comprising 12 individually rotating lighting elements.
For power and performance, it uses four electric motors. Though BYD didn’t release full specifications, through its Europe Facebook page, they stated that the Yangwang Altior is powered by the platform and a second-generation Blade Battery, which provides more than 1,000 km of CLTC range.
The doors open backwards, like those on the Phantom, to make getting in and out easier. A bespoke umbrella was added to the doors, just like in the Rolls-Royce.
On BYD Yangwang Altior interior, it features an extensive suite of physical buttons and switches and a huge screen that runs from driver’s instrumental panel to the passengers side. It’s a strict four-seat car, with each seat providing 354 mm of knee room and also providing 1,209 mm of legroom. Rear passengers get zero-gravity seats with electrically controlled recliners, and their seats have mechanical massage functionality.
This luxury limo seems to focus a lot on its rear passengers. Between the two rear seats, they have added a centre console that houses a number of buttons for controlling some functionalities in the car, including the control of champagne flute holders. There is also a button that folds down the front passenger seat to allow those in the rear seats to have a full view of the road ahead.
There is a lot to be talked about regarding the interior, including the inclusion of a 39-speaker Dynaudio sound system, 21-inch overhead screens, and two refrigerators, with the rear unit able to hold 5.5 litres and cool or warm your refreshments. For cargo and boot space, the Altior has 18.8 cubic feet (532 litres) of luggage capacity.
Its availability in Kenya is uncertain. BYD Yangwang Altior will be available in China next year, 2027. Outside those markets, its arrival is still unknown, its starting price is expected to be 2,080,000 yuan, which, at the current exchange rate, is KSh 40,525,317.
