Streamer iShowSpeed Showcases China’s Futuristic Vehicles During Viral Shenzhen Tour

YouTube sensation Darren “iShowSpeed” captivated millions of viewers during his China tour this week, spotlighting cutting-edge automotive innovations like BYD’s amphibious Yangwang U8 SUV and EHang’s autonomous EH216-S flying car. The streamer’s live demonstrations highlighted China’s rapid advancements in next-generation transportation, blending high-performance engineering with futuristic functionality.

BYD Yangwang U8: The Amphibious Luxury SUV Speed’s most eye-catching experience came with the BYD Yangwang U8, a 4-ton hybrid SUV that doubles as a boat. Priced at approximately $149,000, the U8 features a 1,200-horsepower powertrain, enabling a 0-62 mph sprint in 3.6 seconds. Its “Emergency Float Mode” activates automatically in deep water, allowing the vehicle to navigate floods and even perform 360-degree turns while afloat. During a live stream, Speed marveled at its tank-like ability to spin on the spot and wade through 1-meter-deep water, quipping, “This car’s crazy, bruh!”.

The U8’s opulent interior—adorned with napa leather, massaging seats, and a 22-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system—contrasts with its rugged capabilities, earning comparisons to a “Bentley on land, a boat on water”. Advanced tech includes a 12.8-inch OLED dashboard display, lidar-based driver assistance, and over-the-air updates for semiautonomous driving.

EHang EH216-S: The Flying Car Revolution Speed also took to the skies in the EHang EH216-S, a two-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The carbon-fiber multicopter, equipped with 16 propellers and a 22-mile range, hit 81 mph during the demo, offering panoramic views through its gull-wing doors. EHang’s autonomous system, tested in over 2,000 flights, positions the EH216-S as a pioneer in urban air mobility, though regulatory hurdles remain for widespread adoption.

China’s Tech Ambitions Take Center Stage The streamer’s tour underscores China’s push to dominate futuristic transportation. Beyond the U8 and EH216-S, Speed tested the Yangwang U9 electric supercar—a 1,200-horsepower “dancing” vehicle that hops and spins on command. These innovations reflect strategic investments in electric and autonomous tech, with BYD and EHang leading sectors from luxury EVs to advanced air mobility.

Audience Reactions and Market Impact Clips of Speed’s U8 “boat mode” and EHang flight amassed millions of views, sparking debates about feasibility versus spectacle. While the U8 is currently limited to China, its viral moment could boost global interest in BYD’s premium Yangwang brand. Similarly, EHang’s progress with firefighting variants (like the EH216-F) and U.S. flight tests hints at broader commercial potential.

As Speed’s Lamborghini Huracan was humorously upstaged by Chinese EVs, the tour not only entertained but also framed China as a hub for audacious engineering—where cars swim, fly, and dance.