In a stunning showcase of electric performance, the YANGWANG U9 Xtreme has been crowned TopGear.com’s ‘Moment of the Year’ for 2026 following its record-breaking 308.4mph run. Achieved at Germany’s ATP Papenburg test track on 14 September 2025, the feat cemented the U9 Xtreme as the fastest production car on the planet, sending shockwaves through the automotive world.
Jack Rix, Top Gear Editor-in-Chief, described the moment as a “mic drop” in the industry, adding: “The U9 Xtreme makes everything with a combustion engine look a bit… weak. And hitting 308mph in Germany? That was electric performance rewriting the rulebook. We’ve got a feeling beating Bugatti at its own game is just the beginning.”
The U9 Xtreme represents the pinnacle of YANGWANG engineering, BYD’s luxury sub-brand. Based on the acclaimed U9 model, the hypercar has undergone extensive refinement, with its electric powertrain and chassis comprehensively re-engineered for ultimate performance. Highlights include a 1,200V platform, four ultra-high-speed motors operating at up to 30,000rpm, and a lithium-ion phosphate Blade Battery capable of a 30C discharge rate. Together, these innovations deliver a staggering 3,000hp and a record-setting power-to-weight ratio of 1,217hp per tonne.
“This recognition reflects the unique technology and engineering excellence behind YANGWANG,” said Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD. “The U9 Xtreme demonstrates how BYD, as a true technology company, continues to push the boundaries and show what electric performance can deliver. Every breakthrough comes from our relentless pursuit of perfection, led by more than 120,000 BYD R&D engineers. We will continue creating technologies that redefine what is possible in the era of electric vehicles.”
The historic run was piloted by Marc Basseng, a seasoned track specialist with extensive sports car and endurance racing experience. Just days earlier, Basseng had pushed the U9 Xtreme to a new electric vehicle record of 304.1mph. During development, he also lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 6m59.157sec, becoming the first electric super sports car to dip below seven minutes. For these record-setting feats, the car’s DiSus-X suspension was specially tuned, and track-quality semi-slick tyres were fitted to handle the immense stresses.
With only 30 units of the U9 Xtreme destined for production, this ultra-exclusive hypercar stands as a testament to YANGWANG’s bold vision for electric performance. Its TopGear.com accolade confirms that the era of high-performance EVs is not just arriving—it is already rewriting the limits of what is possible.
