BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme Sets Unbelievable Speed Record of Nearly 500 km/h — A New Era for Chinese Electric Cars
China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has stunned the automotive world by setting a new production car top speed record. On September 14, 2025, BYD’s premium sub-brand Yangwang’s U9 Xtreme hypercar hit an astonishing 496.22 km/h (308.4 mph) during testing at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany. This incredible feat dethroned Bugatti’s 2019 record of 490.48 km/h, marking the fastest production car of all time.
How It Happened: From Dream to Record-Breaker
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme (U9X) evolved from BYD’s earlier U9 Track Edition, featuring groundbreaking improvements like a 1200-volt ultra-high voltage electric architecture (compared to the previous model’s 800V). The car’s heart consists of four ultra-high-speed electric motors operating at 30,000 rpm, generating more than 3,000 PS (roughly 2,237 kW total power). BYD also introduced a cutting-edge lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery capable of rapid discharge at 30C, powering the beast with both efficiency and raw speed.
Specialized semi-slick tires and revised DiSus-X suspension enable the car to withstand extreme track conditions, ensuring stability at breakneck speeds. German professional racing driver Marc Basseng piloted the U9X to its record-setting run, describing the electric powertrain’s smooth and quiet delivery as vital for maintaining focus during such exhilarating speeds.
Why This Record Matters
BYD’s record is historic for multiple reasons:
- It is the first electric vehicle to officially become the world’s fastest production car.
- Surpasses the legendary internal combustion engine cars like Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, which held the title for over five years.
- Reinforces China’s rapidly growing status as a dominant force in EV innovation and high-performance automotive engineering.
The U9 Xtreme’s achievement goes beyond just speed. It completed the Nürburgring lap in under seven minutes (6:59.157), further proving its track credibility alongside raw top-speed prowess.
What’s Next for BYD and Electric Hypercars?
Limited to just 30 handcrafted units, the U9 Xtreme is more than a speed machine; it symbolizes BYD’s technological ambition and a glimpse of future high-performance EVs. As electric cars evolve, BYD has shown they can combine zero emissions with supercar performance previously thought impossible for EVs.
With the car set to enter European markets soon, enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the electric revolution BYD is driving forward.
FAQs About BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme’s Speed Record
Q1: What is the top speed of the BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme?
The BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme achieved a verified top speed of 496.22 km/h (308.4 mph) on September 14, 2025, at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany.
Q2: How powerful is the BYD U9 Xtreme?
It features four ultra-high-speed electric motors that operate up to 30,000 rpm, producing over 3,000 PS (roughly 2,237 kW) of total power, supported by a 1200-volt ultra-high-voltage system and a lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery with a 30C discharge rate.
Q3: Why is this speed record significant?
This makes the Yangwang U9 Xtreme the fastest production car in the world, surpassing previous records held by combustion engine cars such as the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+.
Q4: Did the car set any other records besides top speed?
Yes, the U9 Xtreme completed the Nürburgring lap in under seven minutes, registering a time of 6:59.157, showcasing its outstanding track performance.
Q5: How many units of the U9 Xtreme will be produced?
The production is limited to only 30 units, making it a rare and exclusive hypercar.
Q6: Who drove the U9 Xtreme during the speed record attempt?
The record-breaking runs were driven by professional German racing driver Marc Basseng.
