BYD Boxer Engine Teardown: First Flat-Four in Plug-In Hybrids | Yangwang U7
BYD unveils revolutionary 2.0T boxer engine, a gamecher for plug-in hybrids. In a groundbreaking development, BYD has unveiled its innovative 2.0 L horizontally opposed boxer turbo engine, marking a significant leap forward in automotive engineering. This cuttingedge engine developed specifically for BYDZ platform is set to redefine the capabilities of plug-in hybrids. The engine’s unique flat layout offers a host of advantages, including reduced vertical height and enhanced vibration cancellation, resulting in improved noise, vibration, and harshness, NVH, performance. The BYD Yong Wong U7, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, is the first to feature this engine. It resides in a compact six core front module alongside a generator, two drive motors, and two electromagnets. All contributing to BYD’s advanced DUZ suspension system. This engine is tailored for the e-platform series hybrid mode, primarily generating electricity for the electric drive line. However, under specific conditions, it can also deliver torque directly to the rear axle, showcasing its versatility. BYD’s attention to detail is evident in the engine’s design to optimize compactness and silence. The engine employs a dry sump lubrication system, a custom oil circulation management architecture, and a cooling system tailored for its flat layout. These features combined with NVH reducing measures like sandwich structures and dual timing chains result in an engine that operates with minimal noise even under idle and light load conditions making it nearly imperceptible during everyday driving. The engine’s lowprofile design, reportedly just 420 mm high, is a testament to BYD’s commitment to efficient packaging. This design choice allows BYD to preserve space in the front compartment while maintaining a low center of gravity, drawing comparisons to classic flat engine designs from Porsche and Subaru. However, BYD has uniquely adapted this architecture for hybrid operation and tight packaging. The Eplatform’s boxer engine opens up new possibilities for advanced driving modes such as crab walking and in place tight turns thanks to individually controlled wheel motors. Additionally, the engine’s power output can be dynamically adjusted based on the battery state of charge, SOC, enabling more intelligent energy management and hybrid driving. The Yong Wong U7, officially launched in 2025, offers a plug-in hybrid model starting at 628,000 yuan, approximately $85,800, and a four- seat variant priced at $78,000 yuan, around $96,700. This cuttingedge technology from BYD is set to shape the future of hybrid vehicles, offering both performance and efficiency in a compact, well-gineered package.
BYD boxer engine, plug-in hybrid, flat-four teardown, Yangwang U7 powertrain.
Dive into the revolutionary 2.0T boxer engine from BYD, the first flat-four designed for plug-in hybrids on the e⁴ platform.
This teardown video reveals how the horizontally opposed turbo engine integrates with electric motors for exceptional NVH performance and compactness.
Learn about its series hybrid mode, 272 hp output, and advanced features like crab walking in the Yangwang U7.
Expert commentary from Professor Xu Min highlights optimizations for silence, low height, and efficient energy management.
Compared to traditional inline engines, this design offers better vibration cancellation and fits tightly in the front module alongside generators and suspension systems.
BYD’s innovation parallels classic Porsche and Subaru designs but adapts for electrification, enabling dynamic torque delivery and smart battery integration.
The Yangwang U7 plug-in hybrid starts at 628,000 yuan, showcasing cutting-edge automotive engineering.
Watch this detailed breakdown to understand the future of hybrid powertrains.
