Developed in collaboration with DJI, the Ling Yuan system brings drone technology to the automotive world in a way never seen before. The system occupies just 0.29 square meters on the vehicle’s roof and features an aerodynamic housing that is 215 mm tall. With a press of a button, the hatch opens, the platform rises, and the drone takes off—all while the vehicle is still in motion.

Once airborne, the drone can track the car at speeds of up to 54 km/h, ensuring dynamic footage whether on the highway or off-road. Even when deploying, the vehicle can keep moving at up to 25 km/h. When the recording session ends, the drone returns to its roof-mounted home, where it recharges automatically. The system’s fast charging allows for a 20-80% battery refill in just 30 minutes, minimizing downtime between flights.

While the Bao 8 is the first model to integrate this system, BYD has big plans for its futuristic feature. Several models have already been spotted with the Ling Yuan system, including the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5, Titanium 3, Denza N9, BYD Tang L, and the Sealion 07 DM-i. This suggests a growing adoption across BYD’s brands, making drone-equipped cars more accessible.

The system integrates directly with the vehicle’s infotainment screen, while an accompanying smartphone app provides additional controls. AI-powered software further enhances the experience by automatically organizing and editing footage, making it easy to share cinematic driving clips on social media.

Currently, the Ling Yuan system is available only in China, but given BYD’s global ambitions, it may not remain exclusive for long. For now, car enthusiasts eager to capture their road trips from the sky may need to book a flight to China to get their hands on this cutting-edge technology.