YANGWANG’s U9 Xtreme has officially set a new world record as the fastest production car, reaching 496.22 km/h during testing at the Automotive Testing Papenburg (ATP) track in Germany.
As the luxury sub-brand of BYD, the world’s leading new energy vehicle manufacturer, YANGWANG continues to push the boundaries of innovation and engineering. The U9 Xtreme (U9X) surpasses its own electric vehicle speed record of 472.41 km/h and even outpaces the world’s fastest petrol-powered car at 490.48 km/h. On September 14, it claimed the title of the world’s fastest series-production car, combining unmatched speed with zero-emission performance — a milestone that redefines electric mobility.
Initially known as the U9 Track/Special Edition, the production model was renamed YANGWANG U9 Xtreme (U9X). Based on the U9’s technical architecture sold in China, the U9X introduces breakthrough upgrades, including:
1200V ultra-high-voltage electric system (compared to the U9’s 800V)
Lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery with a 30C discharge rate
Four ultra-high-speed motors capable of up to 30,000 rpm, delivering over 3,000 PS total output
Semi-slick high-grip tires for track use
DiSus-X suspension system, tuned to withstand extreme track conditions
These innovations make the U9X a true technological showcase, merging raw performance with advanced engineering.
Stella Li, Vice President of BYD, shared her thoughts on the record:
“This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone in our R&D team. YANGWANG is a brand that refuses the impossible, and only through this determination for the future could we create a car like the U9X. I would like to thank the entire team and Marc Basseng, whose talent made this record possible. It’s truly amazing that the world’s fastest production car is electric.”
The record-breaking run was performed by German sports car and endurance racing driver Marc Basseng, who praised the hypercar’s capabilities:
“This record was only possible thanks to the extraordinary performance of the U9 Xtreme. Technically, something like this is impossible with an internal combustion engine. With the electric motors, the car is silent and there are no sudden load changes, which allows me to focus more on the track.”
The YANGWANG U9 Xtreme is now available to customers, with production limited to 30 units worldwide. Its name draws inspiration from the word “Extreme”, symbolizing ultimate performance, while the “X” represents the unknown and discovery — values that perfectly align with YANGWANG’s innovative and exploratory brand philosophy.
With this achievement, YANGWANG redefines the concept of a sustainable hypercar. Backed by BYD’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, the U9X delivers unparalleled performance, safety, and driving excitement through state-of-the-art technology.
