BYD YangWang U9 Xtreme Sets World Record With 308.4 mph Top Speed

The BYD YangWang U9 Xtreme has set a new production car world record by hitting a top speed of 308.4 mph at the ATP Papenburg oval track in Germany. The electric hypercar, built by Chinese automaker BYD, has now surpassed the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ to become the fastest car on the planet.

The record was achieved with professional racer Marc Basseng behind the wheel. This performance marks a milestone not just for BYD, but also for electric hypercars in general, showing how EV powertrains are rewriting the limits of speed.

Inside the BYD YangWang U9 Xtreme’s Record-Breaking Run

The YangWang U9 Xtreme was specially prepared for the high-speed test. It features a quad-motor setup delivering over 2959 horsepower in total. Each motor produces 744 horsepower, powered by a 1200-volt system. This allows for far greater output compared to the standard U9 model, which uses an 800-volt system.

To manage heat and performance at extreme speeds, the U9 Xtreme uses higher-density battery cells and generates 67 percent more heat than the standard model. Engineers also adjusted the car’s setup, including narrower front track width, smaller 20-inch wheels, and semi-slick front tires designed for stability.

BYD confirmed that the YangWang U9 Xtreme qualifies as a production car, though production will be limited to only 30 units worldwide. Despite this exclusivity, the car still falls under global production car standards, allowing its top-speed run to qualify for the record books. According to Reuters and Associated Press reports, this achievement cements BYD as a major player in the global hypercar market.

Impact and Industry Reactions

The YangWang U9 Xtreme’s record-breaking speed carries major implications for the automotive world. Until now, records were held by traditional internal combustion hypercars such as the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+. The new record suggests that EV technology is now leading the race in extreme performance.

For consumers and enthusiasts, the feat reinforces the idea that electric cars are no longer limited to efficiency and sustainability. They are now capable of dominating the most prestigious performance benchmarks. Analysts suggest this could shift industry focus toward high-voltage systems and advanced cooling technologies in future hypercars.

The BYD YangWang U9 Xtreme has redefined the speed record for production cars. With 308.4 mph now standing as the benchmark, the electric hypercar demonstrates both the potential of EV technology and BYD’s global ambitions in the luxury performance segment.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the top speed of the BYD YangWang U9 Xtreme?

The U9 Xtreme recorded a top speed of 308.4 mph at the ATP Papenburg oval track in Germany.

Q2: How much horsepower does the BYD YangWang U9 Xtreme have?

The car has a quad-motor setup producing a combined 2959 horsepower.

Q3: How many units of the BYD YangWang U9 Xtreme will be produced?

BYD plans to produce no more than 30 units of this model.

Q4: Which car held the record before the YangWang U9 Xtreme?

The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ held the record at 304.8 mph since 2019.

Q5: Why is this record important for electric vehicles?

It proves that EVs can outperform traditional hypercars in speed, not just acceleration.

References

Reuters. (2025). BYD YangWang U9 Xtreme sets new world record speed.

Associated Press. (2025). Chinese hypercar surpasses Bugatti in top speed run.

BBC News. (2025). Electric hypercar breaks production car record in Germany.