The automotive industry has witnessed a new milestone in the race for high-performance electrification. The Yangwang U9 Xtreme super sports car, developed by Chinese manufacturer BYD, redefined the speed limits for production vehicles by reaching 496.22 km/h. The historic feat was recorded on the renowned ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg test track, at Alemanha, consolidating the ability of electric technology to surpass traditional combustion engines.
The achievement, which took place on September 14, 2025, was piloted by the experienced German pilot Marc Basseng. The Este result not only surpassed the previous record of 490.48 km/h, held by the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, but also earned BYD the prestigious “Ano Moment” award at TopGear.com
BYD’s development of the Yangwang luxury sub-brand demonstrates a strategic investment in innovation and performance. The record-breaking U9
The engineering behind the historic brand
The exceptional performance of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme is the result of an advanced technological platform that is radically different from industry standards. The vehicle operates on a 1,200-volt electrical architecture, a considerable jump from the 800 volts of the base model and most competitors, which allows for faster and more efficient energy discharges, crucial for achieving peak speeds and acceleration. Propulsion is guaranteed by four independent electric motors, one for each wheel, which together deliver a combined power of over 3,000 horsepower and reach a maximum speed of 30,000 rpm. Essa configuration results in a power-to-weight ratio of 1,217 hp per ton, a global record for electric cars. The heart of the system is the Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, designed to withstand extreme discharges of up to 30C, minimizing overheating. Complementando as a whole, the DiSus-X active suspension was recalibrated to absorb the immense lateral forces generated at speeds above 400 km/h, guaranteeing stability and control for the rider.
Test conditions and validation on Alemanha
The choice of the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg test track was not random. The complex, located in the north of Alemanha, has a high-speed oval circuit with a long straight and a perfectly smooth surface, ideal conditions for the search for maximum speed records. The approval of the feat followed strict protocols, with measurements carried out by equipment certified by Federação Internacional of Automobilismo (FIA), guaranteeing the legitimacy of the brand.
The weather conditions on the test day were favorable, with an ambient temperature of 18°C and minimal wind, factors that contribute to aerodynamic performance. Sob commanded by Marc Basseng, winner of the 24 Horas Nürburgring, the U9 Xtreme demonstrated progressive and stable acceleration, surpassing the 450 km/h barrier without apparent difficulties. The pilot stopped accelerating when he reached 496.22 km/h as a precaution, although the vehicle still had the potential to go further.
Recognition and the TopGear.com award
The election of the record as the “Moment of Ano” by the TopGear.com 2026 award reflects the consensus of specialized critics about the relevance of the feat. Jack Rix, editor-in-chief of the publication, highlighted that the performance of the U9 Xtreme proves that electric performance not only rivals, but can surpass combustion supercars on their own territory.
Stella Li, executive vice president of BYD, stated in an official statement that the achievement is the result of the dedication of a team of more than 120,000 engineers and researchers at the company. Ela highlighted that the record symbolizes the brand’s commitment to leading innovation in the electrified vehicle sector and offering cutting-edge technologies to the global market.
The development and preparation process
The journey to the world record began months before the test on Alemanha, with an intensive program of adjustments and validations. BYD’s engineering team used advanced computer simulations to predict the vehicle’s behavior at extreme speeds, optimizing each component for maximum performance.
Preliminary tests were conducted on circuits at China to validate the stability and durability of the motors and battery system. One of the main focuses was the reduction of aerodynamic drag, resulting in a coefficient of just 0.28, a remarkable number for a vehicle with such power and need for cooling.
Pilot Marc Basseng underwent extensive training in simulators to adapt to the instant torque delivery and lack of gear changes, characteristics of electric motors. The validation process also included more than 500 hours of dynamometer testing to ensure the reliability of the entire mechanical assembly.
Dominance at the Nürburgring and other circuits
In addition to the top speed record, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme had already demonstrated its superiority on one of the most challenging circuits in the world, the Nürburgring Nordschleife, also on the Alemanha. In August 2025, the model completed a lap of the 20.8 km track in 6 minutes and 59.157 seconds, becoming the first production electric car to record a time below the seven-minute mark.
This feat surpassed the previous record, which belonged to Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, with a time of 7 minutes and 4.957 seconds. The circuit, known as “Inferno Verde”, severely tests the limits of braking, lateral acceleration and stability on a track with 73 curves and relief variations.
All-wheel drive, provided by four independent engines, was essential to guarantee quick and controlled corner exits. The braking system, which combines energy regeneration with high-performance hydraulic discs, managed to dissipate heat efficiently throughout multiple tests.
The performance at the Nürburgring, added to the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.36 seconds, solidifies the U9 Xtreme’s reputation as a complete super sports car, capable of excelling on both straights and technical circuits.
Outperforming combustion and electric rivals
The record of 496.22 km/h of the U9 Xtreme represents a paradigm shift in the hypercar segment. For decades, vehicles with combustion engines, like the Bugatti Chiron, dominated speed records. By surpassing the French model’s mark, BYD proves that electric propulsion has reached a new level of maturity and capacity, offering superior performance without direct pollutant emissions. In the field of trams, the U9
Limited production and expansion plans
Exclusivity is one of the hallmarks of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme. BYD plans a limited production run of just 30 units, aimed at collectors and customers seeking the pinnacle of automotive performance. The estimated price is 1.68 million yuan, equivalent to approximately R$1.3 million in direct conversion, placing it in the luxury segment.
The company has already confirmed expansion plans for international markets, with the model’s launch in Europa scheduled for 2027, alongside the U8 luxury SUV. The strategy aims to consolidate Yangwang as a direct competitor to premium European brands, such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche, in the emerging electric super sports car market.
