BYD U9 Xtreme: The Electric Hypercar That Shattered Speed Records
Imagine a car so powerful that it redefines everything you thought you knew about speed. The YANGWANG U9 Xtreme, BYD’s latest electric hypercar, has just done that. On September 14, 2025, this engineering marvel reached a mind-blowing top speed of 308.4 mph at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany. In doing so, it didn’t just break its own previous record—it surpassed the 304.1 mph mark held by the fastest petrol-powered production car in the world. For electric vehicle enthusiasts and speed lovers alike, this is a moment of sheer exhilaration and a testament to the future of high-performance mobility.
A Glimpse Into the YANGWANG U9 Xtreme
The U9 Xtreme, also known as the U9X, is an evolution of BYD U9 Xtreme:, already renowned in the Chinese market. But what makes this version truly extraordinary are the technological upgrades that pushed it into record-breaking territory. At the heart of the hypercar is a 1,200V ultra-high-voltage electrical system, a significant leap from the previous 800V setup. This system powers four ultra-high-speed motors, each spinning at up to 30,000 rpm, delivering a jaw-dropping combined output of over 3,000PS.
Complementing its electric heart is BYD’s innovative lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery, capable of a 30C discharge rate. The U9X also boasts track-grade semi-slick tyres and a re-engineered DiSus-X suspension system, fine-tuned to handle the extreme forces generated at such speeds. Every detail of the car—from its high-voltage system to its advanced suspension—was designed with one goal in mind: push the limits of what electric vehicles can achieve.
The Human Element Behind the Record
No hypercar achieves greatness without an exceptional driver, and for the U9 Xtreme, that driver was Marc Basseng, a German racing specialist with extensive experience in sports-car and endurance racing. Basseng’s skill and feedback during the development phase were critical to ensuring the vehicle’s performance could be fully harnessed. “This record was only possible because the U9 Xtreme simply has incredible performance,” Basseng said, highlighting the unique advantages of electric powertrains. Unlike combustion engines, electric motors deliver seamless acceleration without load changes, allowing drivers to focus completely on precision and control.
A Celebration of Innovation
Stella Li, Executive Vice President at BYD, expressed immense pride in the team’s achievement. “YANGWANG is a brand that does not recognise the impossible. Only through our commitment to innovation could we create a vehicle like the U9X. It’s thrilling to see the fastest production car in the world now being electric,” Li said. Her words underline a broader shift in the automotive industry: electric mobility is no longer just about sustainability; it’s about unmatched performance, precision engineering, and redefining the boundaries of possibility.
The U9 Xtreme also demonstrates that electric vehicles can outperform traditional petrol supercars, not just in sustainability, but in sheer technical performance. This milestone could reshape public perception of electric vehicles, proving that they can compete with—and even surpass—conventional high-speed machines.
Limited Edition Masterpiece
BYD will produce the U9 Xtreme in a strictly limited series of no more than 30 units. Each car is a testament to cutting-edge engineering, combining speed, safety, and innovation in a package that few will ever experience firsthand. For collectors and automotive enthusiasts, owning a U9X is not just about prestige—it’s about holding a piece of automotive history.
The Future of High-Speed EVs
The record-setting run of the YANGWANG U9 Xtreme is a defining moment for electric mobility. It proves that electric vehicles are capable of more than city commuting—they can challenge the very limits of physics. As technology advances, the line between eco-conscious transportation and high-octane thrill is blurring, promising a future where sustainability and extreme performance coexist seamlessly.
The U9 Xtreme is not just a car; it is a symbol of what happens when human ingenuity meets electric innovation. It’s proof that the future of speed is electric, and it’s arriving faster than anyone imagined.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and BYD announcements. The performance figures and top speeds mentioned were recorded under controlled test conditions and may not reflect everyday driving conditions.
