Thought this was a concept car gimmick at first, but BYD and DJI's roof-integrated "Lingyuan" drone hangar is an actual factory production option on the DMO 4x4 SUVs! Here is how it works on the trail:
1. Key Highlights & What Stood Out to Me
BYD and DJI have co-developed the "Lingyuan" automotive roof-integrated drone hangar, designed for 4x4 touring and overlanding SUVs like the Denza B5 / Bao 8:
- Retractable weatherproof roof landing pad that automatically launches and recovers a 4K obstacle-avoidance drone at speeds up to 25 km/h.
- Follows the vehicle autonomously at up to 54 km/h to scout flooded river crossings, sand dune crests, or tight bush tracks ahead on the 15.6-inch cabin screen!
2. Closer Look at the Specs & Hardware Packaging
| Technical Parameter | Official BYD Specification & Benchmark |
|---|---|
| Flagship Platforms | e³ Tri-Motor / e⁴ Quad-Motor & DMO 4x4 Super Hybrid |
| Active Suspension Suite | DiSus-C (Damping), DiSus-A (Air) & DiSus-P (Hydraulic) |
| Rear-Axle Steering | Up to ±10° Counter-Phase Steering (4.62m Turning Radius) |
| Peak System Power | 505 kW to 710 kW (965 hp) with Millisecond Torque Vectoring |
3. Coolest Overlanding Gadget or Overkill?
For anyone who drives beach dunes, desert tracks, or Victorian High Country trails, how handy would an automated roof drone scouting the track ahead on the 15.6" screen be?