Did you know that this is the most powerful hybrid SUV in the whole world? So much for your Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine wet dream, huh?



It’s true, the all-new Volvo XC90 T8 used to be the most powerful hybrid SUV in the world, rated at 400 HP and able to get from 0 to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds. Impressive. It’s a heavy car, but still impressive.

China on the other hand, will be selling their own version of a hybrid SUV starting today. So meet the BYD Tang, named after the “Tang Dynasty” which were also known for their effective taxation methods – but obviously not the reason for why they chose this name.

The BYD Tang features a 2.0 liter turbo powered petrol unit rated at 205 HP and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque, as well as two electric motors, each producing 150 HP as well as 200 Nm (147 lb-ft) of torque. A basic understanding of elementary mathematics helps us piece together a total output of 505 HP and 720 Nm (531 lb-ft) of torque. That’s incredible! And not to take anything away from the Chinese, but ever since they announced it during last years’ Beijing Auto Show, it just hasn’t felt real until now that it’s already been priced.

Looking at the car you’ll find a 5-4-2 inscription on the side, which stands for going 0-62 mph in less than (5) seconds, having (4) wheel drive and use no more than (2) liters of gasoline for every 100 km you drive. There you go, 5-4-2. We’re still hoping their next model will say ” 4-8-15-16-23-42 ” on the side, just to make it more interesting.

There are also two special versions of the Tang called the Limited (98 units) and Ultimate Edition (200 units), which bring not just interior upgrades, but performance upgrades too. The Tang Limited has red alloys, lots of leather and wood inserts and some special badges – with the price set at 300,000 yuan which is roughly $48,256.

The Tang Ultimate Edition is even more bonkers, featuring a somewhat sporty body kit, carbon fiber inserts and a price of 600,000 yuan or about $96,530. Why double the cost? Well, it’s also half a second quicker to 62 mph, which means a time of 4.4 seconds. Technically (and theoretically), that makes it the 3rd fastest SUV in the world after the BMW X5/X6 M and Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63. Still, 4.4 seconds vs. 4.9 seconds is never worth double the money unless you get double the looks, double the handling and double the comfort.

If you’re living in China, you can still benefit from green-car subsidies, which could lower the initial 300,000 yuan price down to 220,000 yuan, according to Carnewschina. Prices for the regular model have yet to be announced.

PHOTOS