The EV sedan has all sorts of luxury features rooted in Chinese tradition, right down to air vents accented with jade stones.
Chinese automaker BYD is stepping into the ultra-luxury space with its Yangwang brand, and its latest car, the Altior, features coach doors, reclining rear seats, an incredibly smooth ride, and even umbrellas that pop out of the door panels. Sound familiar? Yeah, it looks like BYD is gunning for the Rolls-Royce Phantom’s spot as the ultimate luxury sedan.
Though closer in size to the Rolls-Royce Ghost, the Altior, which means “higher” in Latin, aims to offer an elevated passenger experience rooted in Chinese tradition. Wolfgang Egger, BYD’s design director, says the Altior was inspired by the “ding,” ancient bronze cauldrons that symbolize strength, dignity, and harmony. Even the air vents have cultural significance, featuring inlays of yellow Hetian jade, which is traditionally associated with wealth, prosperity, and authority. Still, there’s more than a hint of Phantom to the exterior styling.
Jade air vents are just the tip of the Altior-sized iceberg, though. In total, the interior features 48 decorative jewelry-inspired controls. Occupants will be swaddled in full-grain leather, complemented by an ancient embroidery style that splits silk threads to create cloud-like motifs. Wool floor mats and natural wood trim round out the interior materials. Outside, the ornate grille is crafted to highlight reflecting light, and the sides of the car feature a contrasting black roof, silver accents, and sleek 21-inch wheels.
Rear zero-gravity massaging seats recline for a truly knock-out ride, especially when paired with the Altior’s relaxation mode that lowers the sun blinds, lifts the leg rests, and softens the cabin’s ambient lighting.
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