Did you know that the Yangwang U9 Xtreme is gunning for a top speed record above 500 km/h? That’s right. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, BYD’s VP Stella Li announced plans to push their supercar past the 500 km/h mark after it already clocked in at an impressive 496.22 km/h last September. This makes it the world’s fastest production car, but they’re not stopping there.
The U9 Xtreme set its current record at the Automotive Testing Papenburg (ATP) proving grounds in Germany, taking the crown from the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, which held the record at 490.5 km/h. While Koenigsegg’s Jesko Absolut claims it can go even faster—though that’s based on simulations—Yangwang is ready to prove its mettle with real numbers.
A recent video captures Stella Li chatting with Li Yunfei, BYD’s brand PR manager. Li revealed that after the record run, the testing team informed her that the car still had speed left in the tank. They’re looking to make another attempt, and it’s slated for November.
Interestingly, during the last record attempt, driver Marc Basseng had 1.5 seconds of full-throttle time still available before he had to slow down. That’s a tantalizing hint at the U9 Xtreme’s true capabilities.
The next record attempt will again take place at the ATP test track, which boasts a 12.3 km high-speed oval with two lengthy 4 km straightaways. With the car, the driver, and the track all pushed to their limits, the big question remains: can the U9 Xtreme officially break that 500 km/h barrier?
This supercar is not just about speed; it’s a performance variant of the standard Yangwang U9. The U9 Xtreme benefits from aggressive aero upgrades, including a large carbon front splitter, a rear diffuser, a dual-channel hood, and a tall swan-neck rear spoiler. These enhancements aren’t just for show—they improve stability at high speeds.
Powering the U9 Xtreme is BYD’s quad-motor e4 platform, delivering a staggering 2,220 kW (2,977 hp). For context, that’s roughly double what a Tesla Model 3 Performance makes. The torque vectoring system adjusts up to 100 times per second, ensuring precise handling.
A standout feature is BYD’s Blade Battery tech, which now comes with dual-layer cooling. This allows the U9 Xtreme to sustain track sessions with discharge rates of up to 30 C. So, whether you’re racing or just enjoying a spirited drive, this battery won’t let you down.
The U9 Xtreme also sports BYD’s DiSus-X active suspension, which can perform some impressive tricks. It enhances grip and handling, keeping the car steady despite its hefty 2,480 kg weight. If you want a car that can dance on the asphalt, this one’s got the moves.
Looking at the numbers, Yangwang delivered 455 units in June 2026 alone. While it’s not aiming for mass production, the brand is seeing consistent year-on-year growth of over 100% every month. Clearly, there’s a market for this kind of performance.
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Top Speed | 496.22 km/h | Current record before the next attempt |
| Power Output | 2,220 kW (2,977 hp) | Nearly double a Tesla Model 3 Performance |
| Torque Vectoring Frequency | Up to 100 times/second | Ensures precise handling |
| Battery Discharge Rate | 30 C | Allows for sustained track sessions |
| Weight | 2,480 kg | Heavy, but well-managed by the suspension |
So, should you consider the U9 Xtreme if you’re in the market for a high-performance EV? If you crave speed and have the budget for a supercar, this might be worth your while. Just pay attention to the charging network and service availability, especially if you’re looking to take it beyond the city limits. The resale value is also a potential concern with Chinese brands abroad, but for now, this supercar is making a statement. Keep an eye on that November run; it could redefine what’s possible for production cars.
