Reports have resurfaced regarding plans by Chinese automaker BYD to push its 2,220 kW Yangwang U9 Xtreme beyond 500 km/h in Dubai, according to CarNewsChina. The proposal traces back to an interview with BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li conducted by Business SNA in Abu Dhabi on July 6.
Li stated that the vehicle had reached 496.22 km/h in Germany and that BYD planned to target the 500 km/h milestone in Dubai during November. She noted that the engineering team required a straight stretch of road approximately 15 kilometres long and planned to approach local police to find an appropriate venue.
The prospective Dubai location contrasts with a July 14 report citing BYD brand general manager Li Yunfei at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which pointed toward another attempt at Germany's Automotive Testing Papenburg (ATP) track. The U9 Xtreme previously recorded 496.22 km/h at ATP on September 14, 2025, piloted by racing driver Marc Basseng.
CarNewsChina noted that BYD has not publicly confirmed a selected venue, necessary governmental approvals, road closure plans, or a firm event date. In the UAE, Yangwang currently sells its U8 SUV through local partner Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility.
Sources
- CarNewsChina.com · 2026-10-29
