BYD’s Yangwang U6 will be the world’s most aerodynamic new sedan

Thanks to electricity, the race for aerodynamics is relaunched. Chinese manufacturers are at the forefront and the next high-end sedan intends to claim the title of most aerodynamic production car in the world, ahead of the Mercedes EQS.

Over time, aerodynamics returns to the forefront of the automotive scene. The last major period mainly covered the 80s with emblematic models like the Audi 100, the Ford Sierra, the Renault 25 or the Opel Calibra. But let’s admit that for several years, only a few manufacturers have really communicated about their progress in this area.

With the emergence of electric vehicles, the subject is coming back into fashion, with a direct impact on autonomy, especially on motorways. Today it is no longer rare to see new models arrive with a Cd announced between 0.21 and 0.24 for sedans, and from 0.24 to 0.26 for SUVs. In this little game, it was the Mercedes EQS which held the prize with 0.20. A value beaten by the Lightyear One, which however has not exactly entered production…

But the large German sedan should soon lose its title of queen of aerodynamics. BYD’s new sedan, which should be called Yangwang U6, claims a value of 0.195. A figure mentioned during a technological conference on aerodynamics (Academic Annual Conference Of The Automotive Aerodynamics Committee).

Read also
Volkswagen puts aerodynamics at the heart of the ID.7 design

An illustration of the U6 accompanied the publication, showing a copy with almost full rims, mirrors replaced by cameras, but also a Lidar on the roof. As usual, the Cd of the production vehicle will vary depending on the versions, particularly with the rims.

The table communicated by the AAC ranks the 11 most aerodynamic cars of the moment. Only sedans, eight of which are electric only. The Mercedes name stands out clearly in the list with three models.

This ranking of the “most aerodynamic” models only takes into account the Cx value. A symbolic value. Because it is certainly not the only one to take into account: frontal surface, drag, etc.

The first illustrations of the U6 appeared a few days ago, and the official presentation should take place before the end of the year. She will probably be one of the stars of the Guangzhou show next November.