A Yangwang U9 Xtreme test vehicle was destroyed after a high-speed crash on a closed test track in China, according to automotive publication AutoNext. Video footage appearing on 2 November showed the electric hypercar spinning on a straight section, striking one barrier and then the other. The impact tore apart the vehicle's front and rear bodywork and caused the complete detachment of its rear axle.
Despite the destruction of the outer bodywork, the passenger compartment remained in one piece. AutoNext reported that BYD fabricated the central cell from carbon fibre for crash protection and torsional rigidity. The test driver climbed out unaided without serious injury before emergency crews reached the car, and the vehicle's 80 kWh battery showed no signs of fire.
BYD has not disclosed the impact speed, crash date, location, or telemetry data, though the vehicle carried test measurement equipment. The car was running on 20-inch wheels and specialized GitiSport e·GTR2 Pro semi-slick tyres developed for its 500 km/h objective, alongside a dedicated aerodynamic kit and large rear wing.
BYD has not withdrawn its scheduled record attempt in the United Arab Emirates planned for November 2026. BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li previously announced that the 30-car hypercar would attempt to exceed 500 km/h on an estimated 15-kilometre public road in Dubai, a target reiterated by Yangwang sales chief Hu Xiaoqing.
The 500 km/h target stands 3.78 km/h above the 496.22 km/h mark achieved by driver Marc Basseng in September 2025 at the Automotive Testing Papenburg facility in Germany.
Sources
- AutoNext.co · 2026-11-03
