The YANGWANG U9 Xtreme has rewritten the record books. On 14 September 2025, at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany, the electric hypercar reached 308.4 mph (496.22 km/h). This feat made it the fastest production car ever, surpassing not only electric rivals but also the quickest petrol-powered machines.
A Landmark Moment for YANGWANG
YANGWANG, BYD’s luxury sub-brand, confirmed the record run as part of the U9 Xtreme’s production debut. Originally tested under the name U9 Track/Special Edition, the model now enters limited production as the U9 Xtreme, or U9X. Only 30 examples will be built, underscoring the exclusivity of this record-setter.
Engineering Evolution of the U9 Xtreme
The car builds upon the existing U9 platform, but its transformation is extensive. A new 1200V ultra-high-voltage system replaces the previous 800V setup. The lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery offers a 30C discharge rate, enabling bursts of power that conventional packs cannot match. Four motors, spinning up to 30,000 rpm, deliver a combined output of more than 3000PS. Semi-slick tyres and a revised DiSus-X suspension system allow the U9X to handle extreme stresses at record-setting speeds.
Driver and Development Insights
German racing driver Marc Basseng piloted the U9X to its record-breaking top speed. With a background in endurance and sports car racing, Basseng highlighted the advantages of electric propulsion. He noted that the absence of load changes and the car’s quiet operation allowed him to focus on precision, something combustion engines cannot replicate.
BYD’s Executive Vice President Stella Li described the achievement as a milestone for the development team. She emphasized that YANGWANG’s ethos is to challenge limits and redefine what is possible in sustainable performance cars.
Power and Performance Figures
At the heart of the U9 Xtreme lies its four-motor system producing over 3000PS. This output, delivered with instant torque and seamless acceleration, propels the car past 300 mph with stability and control. Combined with cutting-edge aerodynamics and dedicated track tyres, the U9X demonstrates that electric propulsion can outpace the most advanced combustion-powered hypercars.
Summary
With its official 308.4 mph record, the YANGWANG U9 Xtreme is now the fastest production car in the world. It represents a new era where electric technology not only competes with but surpasses traditional engines. Limited to just 30 units, the U9X blends exclusivity, performance, and innovation into a hypercar that redefines speed benchmarks.
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Source: BYD
