BEJIENG: YANGWANG, the high-end sub-brand of BYD, recorded a new world production-car top speed record of 496.22 km/h at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg test facility on September 14, 2025.
The record was set using the U9 Xtreme hypercar, which broke the previous EV record and the highest petrol-driven model, which had clocked 490.484 km/h.
Technical Highlights
The U9 Xtreme (U9X) is a development of the production U9 model available in China, with multiple upgrades:
- 1200V ultra-high-voltage electrics (up from 800V)
- Lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery with 30C discharge rate
- Four ultra-high-speed motors with more than 3000PS output and 30,000 rpm high-speed operation
- Track-level semi-slick tires
Updated DiSus-X suspension tuned for high-speed circuit drivingThese upgrades allow the U9X to pair outrageous performance with zero emissions, setting a new benchmark for electric hypercars.
Marc Basseng, a German track specialist with a wide range of experience in endurance motorsport and sports-car racing, drove the record lap.
Basseng reported that the electric drivetrain’s ability to deliver power consistently without load changes enabled him to concentrate completely on the track, which contributed to the record lap.
BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li commended the R&D team on their work, highlighting that the U9X embodies YANGWANG’s relentless pursuit of innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in car engineering.
The U9 Xtreme will have a limited serial production of 30 units. The designation reflects the idea of the “extreme” and the “unknown,” in accordance with the philosophy of YANGWANG to innovate and explore.
