Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has achieved a historic automotive milestone after its luxury sub-brand, Yangwang, clocked a top speed of 503.17 km/h (312.66 mph) with the Yangwang U9 Xtreme hypercar, according to reports by Automotive News and motorsport publications. The run took place on a closed 10-kilometer section of the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road (E11) in the Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Driven by German endurance racer Marc Basseng, the four-motor electric vehicle surpassed the 500 km/h benchmark. The achievement was officially recognized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and certified by Guinness World Records under two titles: highest speed achieved by a production car in a single-direction run and the fastest electric production car.
The U9 Xtreme features four electric motors delivering roughly 3,000 metric horsepower, supported by a 1,200-volt architecture and BYD's Blade Battery technology. BYD noted that production of the hypercar will be limited to 30 units worldwide.
The speed run in the UAE coincides with formal interest from BYD in joining Formula 1. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently confirmed that the governing body has engaged in exploratory discussions with BYD regarding a potential expansion to a 12th grid team, noting that any formal admission will depend on a viable technical and financial submission.
Sources
- Automotive News · 2026-11-13
