The race for ultimate speed has long been dominated by European hypercars, but a new challenger from China has just rewritten the record books. Recently, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme, an all-electric hypercar from BYD’s luxury brand, reached 496.22 km/h at the Automotive Testing Papenburg (ATP) track in Germany, making it the new fastest car in the world.
This feat puts the U9 Xtreme ahead of legendary machines like the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, which previously held the fastest top speed record at 490km/h. For the relatively new Chinese brand, which just debuted in 2023, the achievement underscores how quickly electric vehicle (EV) technology has evolved to compete with, and even surpass, traditional vehicles powered by internal combustion engines (ICE).
Behind the Yangwang U9 Xtreme’s record-breaking performance is a 3,000 hp powertrain that comprises four ultra-high speed electric motors, each spinning up to 30,000 rpm, paired with an advanced torque vectoring system that adjusts power delivery to each wheel in real time. Combined with a 1,200-volt electrical system, an upgrade from the standard U9’s 800-volt system, the setup ensures blistering acceleration and stability at extreme speeds. Supporting this system is BYD’s lithium-ion phosphate Blade battery, which is touted for its durability and safety. In the U9 Xtreme, it delivers consistent high power output, allowing the hypercar to sustain performance without compromising reliability.
Active suspension technology, dubbed “DiSus-X,” improves stability by controlling body roll, pitch, and lift. On the other hand, advanced aerodynamics and semi-slick tyres ensure optimum grip on the track. Together, these features keep the 2,480 kg hypercar planted firmly on the ground while carving through air resistance. Every component is designed, not only for performance, but also for control, ensuring that the record run wasn’t just fast, but also safe.
Beyond the numbers, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme represents a symbolic shift in the automotive world. For many years, brands like Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and Hennessey defined the upper limits of performance. Now, a Chinese manufacturer has joined and surpassed them, proving that innovation is no longer confined in Europe or North America. Most importantly, the record-breaking run opens a new chapter in the EV story. Once primarily as a solution for efficiency and sustainability, EVs are now pushing the envelope of speed and engineering.
