BYD’s Yangwang U9 Xtreme electric supercar reaches 496 km/h and sets a new world record

The high-performance vehicle market has witnessed a new milestone with the rise of electric technology. The Yangwang U9 Xtreme super sports car, developed by Chinese manufacturer BYD’s luxury sub-brand, redefined the speed limits for a production car by reaching an impressive 496.22 km/h. The officially approved feat not only surpassed previous combustion-powered record holders, but also consolidated BYD’s position as an innovative force in the global automotive sector.

The achievement was recorded on the renowned ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg test track, at Alemanha, a venue designed specifically for high-speed evaluations. Sob commanded by experienced German pilot Marc Basseng, the U9 Xtreme demonstrated remarkable stability and control, validating years of the company’s research and development. Industry recognition was immediate, with the 2026 TopGear.com Awards naming the record as the “Ano Moment”, highlighting its impact on the transition to a new era of electrified, high-performance mobility.

This event represents more than just a number; it symbolizes the maturation of electric vehicle engineering, proving that sustainability can coexist with previously unimaginable levels of performance. The feat of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme establishes a new paradigm for super sports cars, directly challenging traditional brands and accelerating the technological race in the luxury segment.

The journey to speed supremacy

The record of 496.22 km/h, set on September 14, 2025, placed the Yangwang U9 Xtreme ahead of the previous title holder, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, which had reached 490.48 km/h. The overtaking of a combustion-powered icon by an all-electric vehicle is a significant inflection point for the industry, demonstrating that the instant torque delivery and efficiency of electric motors can be optimized for extreme performance. The preparation for this moment was meticulous, involving months of simulations and preliminary tests that already indicated the vehicle’s potential, such as a previous race in which it reached 472.41 km/h.

The choice of Marc Basseng to pilot the U9 Xtreme was not by chance. With a CV that includes a victory in the 24Horas Nürburgring, his ability to extract the most from high-performance machines was crucial in ensuring the test ran safely and accurately. Basseng reported that, despite the extraordinary speed, the vehicle remained surprisingly stable and silent, a characteristic of electric propellants that contrasts with the vibration and noise of combustion engines, allowing greater concentration on driving. Segundo the driver, the car still demonstrated the potential to go further, but acceleration was stopped to ensure the integrity of the test.

Technical details of the record machine

At the heart of the Yangwang U9 Essa higher voltage allows for faster and more efficient energy discharges, essential for achieving and sustaining peak power.

The super sports car is driven by four independent electric motors, one for each wheel, which together deliver a combined power of over 3,000 horsepower. Essa configuration allows for precise torque vector control, optimizing traction and stability in any condition.

This advanced powertrain results in a power-to-weight ratio of 1,217 hp per ton, a number that sets another global record for production electric vehicles. The rotation capacity of the engines, which reach 30,000 rpm, is essential for delivering power at high speeds.

Power is provided by BYD’s innovative Blade battery, comprised of lithium iron phosphate (LFP). Essa technology is known for its safety and durability, but in the U9 Xtreme version, it has been optimized to withstand extreme discharges of up to 30C, minimizing overheating during maximum acceleration.

The engineering behind extreme performance

Reaching almost 500 km/h requires more than just raw power; aerodynamics and chassis stability are equally crucial. The Yangwang U9 Modificações on the body, like a wide track and an aggressive design, contribute to this balance. One of the most notable engineering solutions is BYD’s DiSus-X active suspension, which was recalibrated for the test. Este system actively controls the bodywork, absorbing the immense lateral and vertical forces generated at such high speeds and ensuring that the tires maintain ideal contact with the road. The project relied on the expertise of a team of more than 120,000 BYD engineers, reflecting the company’s deep investment in innovation. Para the test, the car was equipped with special 20-inch wheels and semislick tires developed to withstand extreme loads, guaranteeing the necessary grip not only on the straights, but also on the inclined curves of the oval track.

The record stage in Germany

The Papenburg test track was the ideal setting for breaking the record. With its high-speed oval ring, long straights and smooth surface, the circuit allows vehicles to reach their maximum potential in a controlled and safe environment. Conditions on the test day were favorable, with an ambient temperature of 18°C ​​and minimal wind, factors that can significantly influence performance at extreme speeds. Todo the process was monitored by measuring equipment certified by Federação Internacional of Automobilismo (FIA), guaranteeing the legitimacy and approval of the world record.

Recognition and repercussion in the industry

In an official statement, Stella Li, executive vice president of BYD, celebrated the feat as the result of years of dedication and research in electrification. Ela highlighted that the U9 Xtreme’s record is not just a victory for the company, but a breakthrough for the entire electric vehicle industry.

Jack

Limited production and expansion plans

The Yangwang U9 Xtreme will be an extremely exclusive vehicle, with a planned production run of just 30 units. Destinado to collectors and enthusiasts with high purchasing power, the model has an estimated price of 1.68 million yuan, approximately R$1.3 million in direct conversion. BYD plans to use the prestige gained by the U9 Xtreme to boost the Yangwang brand in global markets, with a launch on the Essa strategy aims to compete directly with the most established luxury and performance brands on the European continent.