The Chinese electric hypercar Yangwang U9 Xtreme reached 503.17 km/h during a run in Abu Dhabi. It became the first production car to break the 500 km/h barrier, and the result was confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records. This is reported by Carscoops.
Yangwang U9 Xtreme speed record: a run on a closed highway
The car was piloted by German racer Marc Basseng. For the attempt, BYD obtained a closed 10 km section of the E11 highway. Before the run, the road was cleared of debris and sand.
The new result surpassed Yangwang's previous achievement — 496.22 km/h, recorded in 2025. At that time, the U9 Xtreme beat the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, which accelerated to 490.48 km/h.
Preparation continued even after two runs the day before, when the car reached about 490 km/h. Engineers changed the rear wing angle, adjusted the shock absorber rebound and tire pressure. The battery and electric motors were brought to optimal temperature.
Yangwang electric hypercar: four motors and a 1200 V architecture
The U9 Xtreme is equipped with four electric motors with a combined output of over 3000 hp. Unlike the standard U9 with an 800 V system, this version uses a 1200 V architecture and a specially prepared BYD Blade battery.
Giti Tire semi-slick tires were developed for the car. Following the run, speed records were also recorded for a production electric vehicle, electric car tires and road tires.
At the same time, in China, another U9 Xtreme was involved in an accident during high-speed testing. The impact with the barrier destroyed the car, but the driver escaped serious injuries. BYD did not disclose the cause of the accident or the speed at the moment of loss of control.
