BYD’s Yangwang U9 is an all-electric supercar that’s breaking the mold—not just with its jaw-dropping 1,287 horsepower, but with its ability to literally hop over obstacles. Using its cutting-edge Disus X suspension system, the U9 takes vehicle agility to a whole new level, as demonstrated in a recent video where it gracefully “jumps” over potholes, road spikes, and even patches of colored dust. While this innovation feels like a sci-fi dream come true, it also echoes an experimental suspension system developed by Bose decades ago for a Lexus LS 400—though BYD has taken things much further in both scope and execution.

The BYD Yangwang U9: High-Tech Acrobatics in Motion

Let’s start with the basics. The Yangwang U9 is a $230,000 electric hypercar, equipped with a quad-motor setup that delivers a combined 1,287 horsepower and an astonishing 244 mph top speed. However, what truly sets the U9 apart isn’t just its raw power—it’s the supercar’s Disus X suspension system, which allows the vehicle to do something no car really should: jump.

In BYD’s newly released promo video, the U9 showcases its “ollie” capabilities by jumping over various obstacles, including an 8-foot pothole, a strip of tire-shredding spikes, and multicolored dust patches. While the text in the video boasts that the car can leap up to 20 feet (6 meters) in total, this refers to the horizontal distance cleared rather than its vertical jump height, which maxes out at 1.4 inches (35 mm). The car’s front wheels lift first, followed by the rear, creating a fluid, coordinated motion that looks more like a dancer in mid-leap than a car navigating a road hazard.

Perhaps the most fascinating part of the demonstration is that the U9 doesn’t require a driver to perform these feats. Its autonomous systems handle the maneuvering, further emphasizing the technological sophistication packed into this EV.

Disus X Suspension: Why the Jump?

The Disus X suspension system is an active, fully electronic setup designed to control each wheel independently. This enables the U9 to pull off impressive stunts like hopping, driving on three wheels, or even “dancing.” While these features look like gimmicks, BYD claims the system enhances overall stability and improves vehicle handling by managing body roll and compensating for uneven surfaces.

But why the jump? From a practical standpoint, the ability to leap over obstacles like potholes or road debris could be useful in extreme situations, potentially sparing expensive wheels and suspension components from damage. However, as impressive as this feature appears in controlled conditions, real-world applications might be more limited. After all, the jump height doesn’t clear large objects or hazards, and it’s unlikely to help with anything more substantial than what’s shown in BYD’s video.

A Nod to the Past: Bose’s Suspension Experiment

While BYD’s hopping U9 feels like a concept born of futuristic thinking, it’s worth mentioning that suspension innovations of this kind have historical roots. Back in the late 1980s, Bose—yes, the company known for audio systems—developed a groundbreaking active suspension system for a Lexus LS 400 prototype. This system used electromagnetic actuators to independently control each wheel’s movement with remarkable precision. Like the U9, Bose’s prototype demonstrated the ability to jump off the ground and glide effortlessly over speed bumps.

The Bose suspension system, however, never made it to production due to its complexity and astronomical cost at the time. Its goal was primarily to enhance ride comfort and handling, not to perform stunts. While the Lexus LS 400 prototype hinted at the possibilities of active suspension, BYD’s Disus X takes the idea further with a focus on both practicality and attention-grabbing theatrics.

Cool Innovation or Gimmick?

It’s hard to deny that BYD’s Yangwang U9 is a technological marvel. The idea of a car hopping over obstacles is undeniably cool, and the video showcasing its abilities is sure to attract attention. However, the real-world practicality of such a feature remains debatable. Unlike active suspension systems in luxury vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or the Audi A8, which prioritize comfort and stability, the U9’s jumping ability feels more like a marketing stunt aimed at grabbing headlines.

That said, the Disus X suspension does have broader potential. Its ability to manage body roll, maintain control on uneven terrain, and dynamically adjust to driving conditions could make it a valuable tool for improving handling and safety in future vehicles—particularly in high-performance or off-road applications.

The Yangwang U9 may be more about showmanship than utility, but it represents a bold step forward in what’s possible with suspension technology. Whether you see it as a gimmick or a glimpse of the future, there’s no denying that BYD’s Disus X suspension is making waves in the automotive world.

And while the hopping capabilities of the U9 may never become a must-have feature for everyday drivers, they’re a fascinating reminder of how far technology has come since Bose first toyed with the idea of suspension wizardry decades ago. Whether this innovation sticks or becomes just another flashy idea will depend on how BYD and other automakers choose to refine and implement such tech in the years ahead.