Chinese automakers are showcasing a new generation of active suspension systems that can keep SUVs moving even when one wheel is lifted off the ground. BYD, Huawei-backed Aito and Li Auto are all demonstrating low-speed three-wheel driving, tyre-changing and obstacle-recovery functions as they compete in China’s premium SUV market.
Chinese automakers are pushing active suspension technology into new territory, with BYD, Huawei-backed Aito and Li Auto all demonstrating SUVs that can keep moving after one wheel leaves the ground.
The latest example comes from BYD’s Denza B8, also known as the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8, Flash Charge Edition. At a company off-road test site, the SUV raised a wheel completely off the surface and continued driving at low speed using the other three wheels.
BYD’s DiSus-P Ultra adds emergency mobility features
BYD says the Denza B8’s new DiSus-P Ultra suspension system is built around three main functions: wheel-lift recovery, wheel-lift tyre replacement and three-wheel driving.
In tyre-changing mode, the suspension can raise the vehicle one corner at a time, letting the wheel hang free without a conventional jack. BYD says the lifting process can be completed in less than a minute, while one media demonstration finished the job in 1 minute and 56 seconds.
The company also says the system can generate up to 9 tons of lifting force. In another demonstration, the SUV was intentionally bogged down in deep sand and then used suspension adjustments to help regain traction and drive out.
The three-wheel driving mode is limited to 15 km/h and is intended for low-speed emergency use or for clearing obstacles. During demonstrations, the Denza B8 crossed uneven bridge-like structures by raising individual wheels to avoid scraping the chassis.
Aito M9 previews similar capability
Huawei-backed Aito is also previewing a similar feature on the new M9, according to IThome. Videos shared by Chinese bloggers showed the SUV lifting one front wheel while continuing to roll stably on three wheels at low speed.
Huawei says the M9’s fully active intelligent chassis can proactively adjust suspension settings based on road conditions. The updated M9 lineup is currently open for pre-order at 499,800 yuan, or about 73,400 USD.
Huawei executive Yu Chengdong has previously said the new-generation M9 includes more than 140 technology updates.
Li Auto’s active suspension also shows wheel lifting
Li Auto has demonstrated similar functions on the new Li Auto L9 Livis, which uses an 800V fully active hydraulic suspension system. The company has shown single-wheel lifting, tyre replacement and off-road recovery in video demonstrations.
Li Auto says the system can react within milliseconds and independently control all four wheels without needing a traditional anti-roll bar.
China EV DataTracker reported that Li Auto L9 domestic sales reached 452 units in April 2026, down 88.1% year on year and 70.8% from March. From January through April 2026, cumulative sales reached 4,131 units.
Why this matters for China’s SUV market
Active suspension is quickly becoming a key way for Chinese brands to differentiate premium SUVs and off-road models. The technology is no longer just about comfort; it is increasingly being used for recovery, tyre changes, body leveling and obstacle clearance.
Different manufacturers are taking different engineering paths. Li Auto and Aito rely on fully active hydraulic systems, while BYD’s Yangwang U7 uses the electromagnetic DiSus-Z setup, which controls suspension motion directly without hydraulic oil.
Together, these systems suggest that chassis technology is becoming a major competitive front in China’s EV market, especially in higher-priced SUVs where buyers expect both luxury and real off-road capability.
Updated 15/05/2026 15:55 China time: corrected term from YunNia to DiSus.
Why This Matters
This story matters because it shows how Chinese automakers are using chassis engineering as a new battleground in the premium SUV segment. Features like three-wheel driving, wheel-lift tyre replacement and trap recovery are not just demonstrations; they signal how active suspension may become a practical safety and convenience tool.
For buyers, these systems could make large SUVs easier to service, more capable in rough terrain and more resilient in emergency situations. For the industry, they highlight the speed at which Chinese EV brands are turning advanced suspension into a differentiator alongside battery range, software and charging speed.
Key Specs
- BYD Denza B8 Flash Charge Edition: Debuts with DiSus-P Ultra active suspension
- Three core BYD functions: wheel-lift recovery, wheel-lift tyre replacement, three-wheel driving
- BYD tyre-change timing: under 1 minute claimed; 1 minute 56 seconds in a media demo
- BYD lifting force: up to 9 tons
- BYD three-wheel driving speed limit: 15 km/h
- Denza B8 Flash Charge Edition price: 419,800 yuan (61,600 USD)
- Denza B5 Flash Charge Edition price: 305,800 yuan (44,900 USD)
- Approx. BYD added range: about 200 km CLTC pure-electric range
- Aito M9 pre-order price: 499,800 yuan (73,400 USD)
- Li Auto L9 April 2026 sales: 452 units, down 88.1% year on year
- Li Auto L9 Jan-Apr 2026 sales: 4,131 units
Source: CarNewsChina
