2026 YangWang U9 Xtreme

• The Yangwang U9 Xtreme set a world production-car speed record of 496.22 km/h in Germany on 14 September 2025.

• Powered by four motors producing more than 3,000 PS, a 1,200-volt architecture, and BYD’s Blade Battery, it represents a leap in electric hypercar performance.

• Only 30 units will be built, making the U9 Xtreme one of the rarest and most exclusive hypercars of its generation.

A new speed record in Germany

Yangwang, the premium sub-brand of Chinese EV leader BYD, achieved the record on 14 September 2025 at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg circuit in Germany. The U9 Xtreme reached 496.22 km/h, surpassing both its own previous EV benchmark and the 490.48 km/h achieved by the fastest petrol-powered model, securing its status as the quickest production car in history

Veteran racing driver Marc Basseng piloted the car during its record run. Speaking afterwards, he underlined the advantage of the electric powertrain: “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”

Engineering at the limit

The U9 Xtreme, known internally during development as the U9 Track/Special Edition, evolves from the Yangwang U9 already on sale in China. It features a heavily re-engineered technical package designed to handle the extreme demands of record-breaking speeds:

• 1,200-volt ultra-high-voltage architecture (compared with the U9’s 800V system)
• Lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery with a 30C discharge rate
• Four high-speed electric motors capable of spinning up to 30,000 rpm
• Combined output of over 3,000 PS

Track-level semi-slick tires

A revised DiSus-X intelligent suspension system tuned for stability under extreme loads.

Together, these innovations enabled the U9 Xtreme to achieve what had previously seemed beyond the reach of EVs: breaking the absolute top-speed record for production cars.

Executive voices on the achievement

BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li called the record “an incredibly proud moment” for the R&D team, noting that “only through this commitment to what’s coming next can you end up with a vehicle like the U9X.” She credited both the engineers and Basseng for pushing the car to its maximum potential.

Limited production, maximum exclusivity

Yangwang will build no more than 30 units of the U9 Xtreme. Its name emphasizes its character: derived from “Extreme,” with the “X” symbolizing the unknown. The branding ties to Yangwang’s philosophy of innovation through exploration.

This extremely limited production run ensures the U9 Xtreme will remain a collector’s item as well as a headline-making technological achievement. Each car represents not only unmatched performance but also a tangible piece of automotive history.

Technical Specifications

Performance

• Top speed: 496.22 km/h (world production-car record, September 2025, ATP Papenburg, Germany)
• Record driver: Marc Basseng

Powertrain

• Configuration: Four independent electric motors
• Motor speed: Up to 30,000 rpm
• Total system output: Over 3,000 PS
• Drivetrain: Fully electric all-wheel drive

Electrical Architecture & Battery

• Voltage system: 1,200-volt ultra-high-voltage architecture
• Battery: BYD Blade Battery (lithium iron phosphate)
• Discharge rate: 30C

Chassis & Suspension

• Suspension system: DiSus-X intelligent suspension, tuned for extreme stability
• Tires: Semi-slick track tires (special high-speed compound)

Production & Availability

• Planned production: 30 units only
• Launch year: 2026
• Manufacturer: Yangwang (BYD sub-brand)

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