Papenburg, Germany – 14 September 2025 – The pursuit of speed has entered a new age of electrification. YANGWANG, the luxury sub-brand of global new-energy vehicle leader BYD, has shattered the boundaries of performance with its latest creation, the U9 Xtreme, setting a new global production-car top-speed record of 496.22km/h (308.4 mph) at the renowned ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany.
This extraordinary achievement not only eclipses YANGWANG’s own previous EV benchmark but also dethrones the fastest petrol-powered model’s 490.48km/h (304.48 mph) mark—making the U9 Xtreme the fastest production car in the world, period. It is a resounding statement that the future of hypercars is electric, delivering unrivalled power and speed with zero emissions.
A Technical Masterpiece in Motion
Originally unveiled as the U9 Track/Special Edition and now officially christened the YANGWANG U9 Xtreme (U9X) in production guise, the record-breaking hypercar embodies the next chapter in electric performance. Drawing on the architecture of the already formidable U9 sold in China, the U9X introduces a suite of radical upgrades designed to push the limits of what’s possible.
At its heart lies an upgraded 1200V ultra-high-voltage electrical system, a leap beyond the industry-standard 800V, enabling exceptional power delivery and thermal efficiency. A specially engineered lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery with an extraordinary 30C discharge rate feeds four ultra-high-speed electric motors, each capable of spinning to 30,000rpm. Combined, they unleash over 3000PS of thrust—figures once thought inconceivable for a road car.
Supporting this ferocious output is a set of track-spec semi-slick tyres and a revised DiSus-X suspension system, meticulously tuned to withstand the extreme stresses of high-speed circuit driving. Every component has been optimised for balance, stability and confidence at the outer limits of performance.
Human Skill Meets Electric Prowess
Behind the wheel for the record-breaking run was German racing ace Marc Basseng, whose extensive experience in endurance motorsport proved critical. “This record was only possible because the U9 Xtreme simply has incredible performance,” Basseng remarked. “Technically, something like this is not possible with a combustion engine. Thanks to the electric motor, the car is quiet, there are no load changes, and that allows me to focus even more on the track.”
BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li hailed the milestone as a defining moment in the company’s history: “YANGWANG is a brand that does not recognise the impossible. Only through this commitment to what’s coming next can you end up with a vehicle like the U9X. It’s terrific that the fastest production car in the world is now electric.”
Exclusivity at the Pinnacle of Performance
The U9 Xtreme will be produced in a strictly limited run of just 30 units, ensuring it remains as exclusive as it is revolutionary. Its name captures the essence of its creation—‘Extreme’, representing the ultimate limit, while the prominent ‘X’ stands for the unknown, the spirit of exploration that defines YANGWANG’s ethos.
Redefining the Sustainable Hypercar
By claiming the ultimate speed crown, YANGWANG has done more than break records—it has rewritten the definition of the hypercar. The U9 Xtreme is proof that sustainability and staggering performance can coexist, signalling a new chapter in automotive engineering where electrification is not a compromise, but the key to achieving the extraordinary.
With the U9 Xtreme, YANGWANG and BYD have not only reimagined the limits of speed—they have redefined the future of mobility itself.
