The race for automotive supremacy has a new champion—and it’s fully electric. The YangWang U9 Xtreme, previously dubbed the “Track Edition,” has just shattered the boundaries of speed, hitting a staggering 496.22 km/h (308.4 mph) on the high-speed oval at ATP Papenburg, Germany. That feat places it ahead of legends like the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300, SSC Tuatara, and Rimac Nevera R, establishing a new era where electric hypercars rule the asphalt.
A Monster Under the Hood
The YangWang U9 Xtreme isn’t just fast—it’s a technological marvel. At its core are four electric motors, each generating 555 kW, for a combined output of nearly 3,000 horsepower. This raw power is fed through a pioneering 1,200V ultra-high-voltage platform, the first of its kind in a production car. Compared to conventional 800V systems, this upgrade allows faster power delivery, harder acceleration, and improved thermal efficiency—letting the car push its limits without overheating.
BYD’s Blade Battery technology further enhances performance, boasting a 170% higher cell density and discharge rates ten times greater than standard EVs. In layman’s terms, this means colossal energy output without frying the internals—a crucial factor when you’re flirting with half a thousand kilometers per hour.
Design Tweaks for Extreme Velocity
Aerodynamics and stability were paramount in the YangWang U9 Xtreme’s development. The wheels were downsized to 20 inches for better airflow, while the front tires grew to 325mm, matching the rears. The track width was fine-tuned for high-speed precision, and despite the performance upgrades, the car’s kerb weight sits at an impressive 2,480 kg—just slightly above the standard model.
Nürburgring & Beyond
Speed isn’t the U9’s only claim to fame. Earlier this year, it set a record-breaking Nürburgring lap for electric vehicles at 6:59.157, proving it’s not just a straight-line missile but a capable track performer.
Driver Marc Basseng, no stranger to high-speed runs, pushed the YangWang U9 Xtreme to its limits, nearly touching 500 km/h before safety considerations required him to lift off. While the record is technically unofficial—single-direction runs at Papenburg don’t meet Guinness or FIA standards—it still eclipses previous one-way speed records. It cements the U9’s status as an electric hypercar powerhouse.
Exclusivity and Future Prospects
Only 30 units of the YangWang U9 Xtreme will ever be built, making it ultra-rare and highly sought-after. Pricing is expected to dwarf the standard U9’s £200,000 (~$240,000) price tag, a small premium for nearly 3,000 horsepower and record-shattering performance. Meanwhile, YangWang is preparing other models like the U8 luxury SUV, hinting at a global push for the brand in markets like Australia.
The ultimate benchmark now? Breaking the Buckeye Bullet 3’s electric land speed record of 341.264 mph. If anyone can do it, YangWang—with the U9 Xtreme—looks poised to make history.
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In short: The YangWang U9 Xtreme doesn’t just challenge speed records; it rewrites them, proving that electric vehicles are no longer the future—they’re the present pinnacle of automotive performance.
For more information about the BYD YangWang U9 Xtreme, visit their official website.
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Hey, I’m Badal! I’m super passionate about cars—especially electric ones. Whether it’s EVs, electric trucks, bikes, or anything with a battery and wheels, I’m all in. I love writing blogs and articles that break things down for fellow enthusiasts and curious readers alike. Hope you enjoy the ride as much as I do!
