The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 has been a stage for groundbreaking innovations in the automotive sector. Two notable unveilings include BYD's Yangwang U9 supercar with its advanced suspension system and Xpeng Aero HT’s modular flying car, the Land Aircraft Carrier. While these vehicles aim to revolutionize transportation, they have also sparked humorous reactions from Indian social media users, who joked about the suitability of such features for their pothole-prone roads.
Indian netizens were quick to comment on the potential benefits of these technologies for their infrastructure challenges. The innovative jumping suspension of the Yangwang U9 was humorously embraced as a solution to India’s road conditions, while the flying car concept raised both excitement and skepticism. Despite the jest, these developments highlight the ongoing push for innovation in the automotive industry, blending utility with cutting-edge technology.
The Yangwang U9 supercar, introduced by Chinese automaker BYD, features an advanced suspension system that can leap over obstacles. This unique capability has not only demonstrated the vehicle’s engineering prowess but also resonated humorously with Indian social media users. They envisioned the car bouncing over potholes like a rabbit, perfectly suited for the country’s challenging road conditions. This reaction underscores the need for more resilient and adaptive transportation solutions.
The Yangwang U9’s ability to adjust its height and absorb shocks effectively showcases the integration of performance and utility. In the video demonstration, the car successfully leaped six meters forward over a pothole, illustrating the practicality of its design. Social media platforms flooded with witty comments, with users jokingly suggesting that this feature might have been designed specifically for India’s notorious road conditions. One user remarked, “Finally, a car built for Indian roads!” Another quipped, “When we have a full flying car, then it can be sold in India.” Such responses reflect both amusement and a hint of aspiration for better infrastructure. The Yangwang U9’s innovative suspension system represents a significant step towards addressing real-world challenges, making it a symbol of technological advancement and adaptability.
At CES 2025, Xpeng Aero HT, a subsidiary of Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng, unveiled the Land Aircraft Carrier, a modular flying car that combines the functionality of an electric minivan with a compact folding eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft. Priced below $300,000, this futuristic vehicle has already garnered 3,000 pre-orders, with mass production set to commence this year. Initially targeting the Chinese market, the Land Aircraft Carrier aims to cater to luxury adventures and emergency search and rescue missions.
The Land Aircraft Carrier’s hybrid approach allows users to drive the vehicle to a suitable takeoff point before deploying the eVTOL with a single command. This blend of driving and flying capabilities sets it apart from other flying car concepts. Indian social media users expressed mixed reactions, with some expressing excitement over the prospect of bypassing traffic and others questioning the practicality in their urban settings. A user commented, “What if there’s another pothole where it lands?” Another wrote, “Perfect for Indian roads. Please make a retail consumer version and Indians will pounce on it.” These remarks highlight the dual nature of public perception—amusement and anticipation for future advancements. The Land Aircraft Carrier exemplifies the growing trend of merging utility with next-level technology, promising exciting developments in both the automotive and aerospace industries.