--- title: "Watch BYD’s Electric SUV Drive in Water, Float, Then Drive Out" description: "The YangWang U8's tank-turn ability isn't just for spinning off-road—it can also drive the SUV as it floats in water, as this video shows." date: "2024-10-23" modified: "2024-10-23" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/watch-byds-electric-suv-drive-in-water-float-then-drive-out" categories: - "Car Tech" - "Electric Vehicles" - "News" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" - "suv/crossover" --- # Watch BYD’s Electric SUV Drive in Water, Float, Then Drive Out ![A BYD YangWang U8 floats in a pool of water, while the text "It's Not Sinking" is superimposed.]() *\DiscoverChinaAuto via YouTube\* When Chinese automaker YangWang (the luxury arm of [BYD]()) first launched its U8 SUV last year, one of its most impressive claimed party tricks was its ability to float for short periods. The idea was that if the driver found themselves in deep water, they'd still be able to make it back to dry land. While YangWang isn't the first automaker to advertise such capabilities, the brand's willingness to prove them in person counts for a lot. In this new video from *[DiscoverChinaAuto]()*, you can watch the [U8]() show off its skills as a temporary boat, as it drives into deep water and drives itself back out. It's fitting that the U8 is so capable in deep water, as it looks like *Grand Theft Auto's* take on a [Land Rover Defender](). However, YangWang actually has the Defender's 35.4-inch wading depth beat. For this demonstration, BYD set up a massive pool with a steel ramp leading into it. As the U8 rolls deep enough into the water, you can watch the 7,628-pound electric SUV start to float. And since it uses a four-cylinder combustion engine as a range extender for its quad-motor, 1,180-horsepower electric powertrain, its front-heavy nose dips further into the pool than the rear. ![]() ![]() With the tops of its rear tires just peeking out of the water, you can see the SUV float around as its wheels spin and the driver slowly changes direction. Since turning the front wheels wouldn't accomplish much in the water, the U8 uses its tank all-wheel-drive ability to steer. With an electric motor behind each wheel, it can spin the wheels independently as needed to turn and accelerate. If you watch closely, you can even see the system modulate power between the wheels in real-time, to get the EV going in the intended direction. It's slow for sure, but the U8 is able to accelerate forward a little bit, make a three-point turn, and drive out. According to BYD, the SUV can stay afloat for up to 30 minutes. What the video *doesn't* show is how much water entered the cabin; plenty pours out from the U8's door and tailgate sills after it leaves the pool. Granted, in an emergency passengers aren't likely to care if their pant legs get wet, as long as the U8 can return everyone to safety. Don't forget that in 2022, [Elon Musk said that the Cybertruck]() "will be waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat, so it can cross rivers, lakes & even seas that aren't too choppy." Well, [the Cybertruck can wade](), but Tesla has still yet to demonstrate its seaworthiness. It's one thing to make bold claims; it's quite another to back them up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_zpAZINS9E *Got tips? Send ’em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()