YangWang U9 Xtreme: BYD’s Electric Hypercar Becomes World’s Fastest Production Car

China’s BYD has stunned the global automotive industry by setting a groundbreaking speed record with its luxury performance brand YangWang. The YangWang U9 Xtreme has officially become the world’s fastest production car, clocking an incredible 496.22 km/h (308.4 mph) at Germany’s ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg.

This historic achievement marks the first time an all-electric hypercar has broken the 308-mph barrier, surpassing the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, which previously reached 304.77 mph in 2019. Behind the wheel was racing driver Marc Basseng, who pushed the U9 Xtreme to the limit before easing off just short of 500 km/h when the car began edging toward the barrier. This suggests the U9 Xtreme may have even more performance potential waiting to be unlocked.

Engineering Mastery Behind the Record

The U9 Xtreme is not just about speed—it represents a technological leap. Built on the world’s first 1,200V ultra-high-voltage platform, it delivers extraordinary efficiency and power. Four 30,000 rpm motors generate a staggering 2,978 horsepower, giving the hypercar a power-to-weight ratio of 1,217 PS per tonne.

To sustain such extreme performance, BYD engineered advanced systems, including a dual-layer thermal structure Blade Battery for superior cooling and titanium-alloy carbon-ceramic brakes designed to eliminate fade during high-speed runs.

Nürburgring Lap Record Ambitions

Beyond straight-line speed, the YangWang U9 Xtreme has also made its mark at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, clocking an impressive 6:59.157 on its first attempt. Another timed session in October aims to push this record even lower, underscoring the car’s track-focused evolution.

Exclusivity and Global Impact

With only 30 units set for production, each individually specified, the YangWang U9 Xtreme is as exclusive as it is fast. While pricing details remain undisclosed, industry analysts predict demand will far exceed availability, given its world-record performance and status as the fastest EV hypercar ever built.

A New Era for Hypercars

BYD’s achievement signals a major shift in the world of high-performance vehicles. The fastest production car is no longer Italian, German, or American—it is Chinese and electric. With the YangWang U9 Xtreme, BYD has not only shattered speed barriers but also redefined what the future of hypercars could look like.

Afsheen Gohar

Afsheen Gohar is a seasoned writer with a wealth of experience in crafting authentic and well-researched articles. Her dedication to delivering high-quality content is evident in her work, where she combines a passion for storytelling with a commitment to accuracy and depth. Afsheen’s writing reflects her ability to engage readers with compelling narratives while providing valuable insights on a diverse range of topics.