BYD‘s Yangwang U9 Xtreme has reportedly shattered the world speed record for production vehicles. According to auto bloggers’ reports on November 6, the electric supercar achieved a staggering top speed of 503.17 km/h during a high-speed challenge on open roads in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
This achievement marks a historic milestone, as the U9 Xtreme becomes the first production car to officially surpass the 500 km/h threshold. The new record represents an improvement of 6.95 km/h over the vehicle’s previous benchmark of 496.22 km/h. At 503.17 km/h (312.66 mph), the vehicle covers nearly 140 meters every second.
The challenge, which began on November 1, was announced by Hu Xiaoqing, General Manager of the Yangwang Sales Division. Unlike previous tests conducted on closed professional proving grounds, this attempt took place in a real-world road environment, forcing the vehicle to contend with challenging variables such as high ambient temperatures, crosswinds, and desert dust.
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme was awarded a Guinness World Records title. Credit: Xiangbeibuduandian from Weibo
The U9 Xtreme has been steadily building its reputation as a performance powerhouse. In September 2025, it clocked 496.22 km/h at the ATP Papenburg testing facility in Germany. Furthermore, the vehicle made headlines by completing a lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 6 minutes and 59.157 seconds, securing its status as the first mass-produced electric supercar to break the seven-minute barrier.
The U9 Xtreme is built on a 1200V high-voltage platform. It is powered by four electric motors capable of reaching speeds of 30,000 rpm, delivering a combined output of 2,220 kW (2,977 hp). To ensure safety and stability at such unprecedented speeds, the vehicle’s tyres, braking systems, cooling architecture, and body control systems have been specifically optimised for ultra-high-speed operation.
Production of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme is limited, with the company confirming that no more than 30 units will be manufactured globally.
Yangwang U9 Xtreme
The U9 Xtreme is a performance variant of the Yangwang U9 supercar. It features extensive aero upgrades: a large carbon front splitter, a rear diffuser, a dual-channel hood, and a tall swan-neck rear spoiler.
A look at the physics of the record: Telemetry shows the continuous acceleration curve up to 503.17 km/h, followed by a heavy braking zone, spanning a total distance of 9.2 km. Credit: Yangwang
Powered by BYD’s quad-motor e4 (Yi Si Fang) platform, the U9 Xtreme now delivers 2,220 kW (2,977 hp). It delivers 1,200 hp per ton, and its torque vectoring system adjusts up to 100 times per second.
Yangwang U9 Xtreme during its 503.17 km/h top-speed run in Abu Dhabi, including the driver Marc Basseng, support team, and vehicle preparations. Credit: Yangwang.
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