Yangwang U9 Xtreme EV Becomes World’s Fastest Production Car with 496 kmph Top Speed

BYD’s sub-brand Yangwang has set a new global top-speed record with the U9 Xtreme hypercar, achieving 308.4 mph at the Papenburg test track in Germany on September 14, 2025. The limited-production model surpasses both electric and petrol-powered benchmarks.

Yangwang U9 Xtreme EV Becomes World’s Fastest Production Car with 496 kmph Top Speed

Yangwang, a luxury arm of BYD , recorded a top speed of 496.22 kmph with its new U9 Xtreme hypercar at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany. This achievement makes it the fastest production car in the world, surpassing the previous record of 490.4 kmph held by a petrol-powered model.

People Also Search

Q/A is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed
How does the performance of the Yangwang U9 Track Edition compare to the U9 Xtreme?

The Yangwang U9 Track Edition reached a top speed of 472.41 kmph, making it a formidable contender in the EV market. In contrast, the U9 Xtreme has surpassed this with a record-setting speed of 496.22 kmph. Both models utilize a quad-motor setup and feature advanced suspension systems, but the U9 Xtreme is optimized for higher performance and track endurance, showcasing the rapid evolution in electric hypercars.

What innovations does the Rimac Nevera R offer compared to the Yangwang U9 Xtreme?

The Rimac Nevera R boasts a top speed of 431.4 kmph and produces over 2000 bhp, which is impressive but still lower than the U9 Xtreme's 496.22 kmph. It features cutting-edge technology such as four independent electric motors and advanced aerodynamics for performance optimization. The U9 Xtreme emphasizes not just speed but also track performance and exclusivity with a limited production run of only 30 units.

What unique features does the BYD Yangwang U8 SUV offer compared to the U9 models?

The BYD Yangwang U8 SUV stands out with its ability to float on water for up to 30 minutes and a powerful plug-in hybrid system delivering 1200 PS. Unlike the U9 models, which focus on speed and track performance, the U8 combines luxury SUV characteristics with rugged capabilities, making it ideal for extreme conditions and versatile use.

How does the battery technology of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme compare to other electric hypercars like the Rimac Nevera?

The Yangwang U9 Xtreme utilizes a Lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery with a 1200V electrical system, allowing for rapid discharge rates. In contrast, the Rimac Nevera features a high-performance battery that supports its significant power output of over 2000 bhp. Both vehicles leverage advanced battery technologies to enhance performance, but the U9 Xtreme's design focuses on maximizing track endurance and high-speed capabilities.

What are the implications of Yangwang's record-setting speed for the future of electric vehicles?

Yangwang's achievement with the U9 Xtreme as the fastest production car signifies a critical shift in the automotive landscape, where electric vehicles are not just alternatives but leaders in performance. This record challenges traditional internal combustion engines and encourages further innovation in electric hypercars, potentially leading to advancements in speed, technology, and sustainability in the automotive industry.

Yangwang U9 Xtreme: Development and Technical Basis

The Yangwang U9 Xtreme, also known as U9X, is based on the U9 which is on sale in China. Originally introduced as the U9 Track/Special Edition, the production model received a series of updates aimed at higher performance and track endurance.

Key Technical Features of the BYD U9 Xtreme

  • Powertrain: Upgraded 1200V electrical system compared with the 800V setup in the standard model.
  • Battery: Lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery with a discharge rate of 30C.
  • Motors: Four electric motors capable of up to 30,000 rpm, producing a combined output of more than 3000PS.
  • Tyres and Suspension: Semi-slick track tyres and a revised DiSus-X suspension tuned for circuit conditions.

Limited Production Run

Yangwang confirmed that only 30 units of the U9 Xtreme will be produced. The naming of the car reflects its focus on pushing boundaries, with the “X” symbolising exploration and the unknown.
Stella Li, BYD Executive Vice President, said, “This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone in the research and development division. Yangwang is a brand that does not recognise the impossible, and only through this commitment to what’s coming next can you end up with a vehicle like the U9X. I extend my gratitude to the whole team, and my thanks to the driver, Marc Basseng, for his skill and technical input. It’s terrific that the fastest production car in the world is now electric.”

Significance of the Record

The new record highlights how electric vehicles are competing directly with traditional internal combustion hypercars at the highest performance levels. By surpassing both EV and petrol-powered benchmarks, the U9 Xtreme sets a new point of reference for speed in production cars.
End Article