by Chinese automaker BYD conducted an unusual strength test on its Yangwang U8 off-roader
The company’s engineers dropped a huge palm tree onto the roof of the hybrid SUV several times to demonstrate its reliability. This demonstrative experiment is the latest step in a campaign aimed at confirming the Yangwang U8’s status as one of the world’s most durable luxury cars.
Test Details
The test was far from a light tap. The tree was lifted into a vertical position and dropped onto the car’s roof three times, each time increasing the height to amplify the impact force. According to the manufacturer, the maximum impact energy reached 50.4 kilojoules.
For comparison, Chinese media report that this is equivalent to an air conditioner falling from the roof of a forty-story building.
This figure significantly exceeds the requirements of ordinary safety standards, which is logical, as standard procedures rarely account for tropical trees falling onto a car.
Test Results and Engineering Concept
After the series of impacts, the off-roader demonstrated impressive resilience. Although dents remained on the structural element above the doors (the cantrail), the driver’s doors opened without problems, the glass did not shatter, and the suspension with wheels did not collapse.
As explained by YangWang, this is precisely the core idea: if the structure remains intact enough for passengers to get out and rescuers to get inside, then even an emergency situation can be considered controlled. In the test video, the SUV simply starts up and drives away after the impact, as if nothing happened.
Context of the Marketing Campaign
This demonstrative test is just the latest episode in a series showcasing the capabilities of the Yangwang U8. Previously, the car demonstrated the ability to rotate on the spot thanks to four electric motors, as well as move through water thanks to its sealed body. The 1,184-horsepower off-roader continues to amaze the public with its capabilities.
Such experiments undoubtedly attract attention and generate discussion, especially in the competitive premium SUV market. They highlight not only the physical strength of the body but also the brand’s aspiration to create technologically advanced and safe vehicles. The emphasis on the ability to remain functional after extreme impact can be a significant argument for buyers who value reliability and safety above all else. In a world where safety standards are constantly rising, such public demonstrations become a powerful communication tool, turning technical specifications into compelling stories.
