Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has successfully achieved a new benchmark in speed, as its Yangwang U9 Xtreme electric sports car reached a record-breaking speed of 503.17 km/h in Abu Dhabi. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the company, surpassing its previous goal of reaching 500 km/h.
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On November 1, 2026, a speed record was set by Marc Basseng on a closed section of the E11 road, marking a significant achievement for the brand. This milestone surpassed the previous record of 496.22 km/h, which was established by the same model in Germany in 2025.
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BYD announced that the achievement enabled the driver to establish two Guinness World Records, one for the highest speed ever recorded by a production car and another for the highest speed achieved by an electric production car.
The team had access to a 10-kilometer stretch of closed road, with 7 kilometers of it available for acceleration.
Due to the challenging desert environment, the team conducted a meticulous cleaning and inspection of the asphalt route to eliminate potential hazards for the tyres. On the initial test day, the U9 Xtreme achieved a speed of 490 km/h, however, further refinements were deemed necessary.
Norwegian racing driver Jani Taavetti Basseng achieved a significant milestone on the second day of testing, reaching a speed of 500 km/h after engineers implemented modifications to the vehicle's suspension, tire pressure, and rear gear angle.
The vehicle's exceptional performance is attributed to a sophisticated system consisting of four electric motors, one for each wheel, which collectively produce 3.019 horsepower. Each motor is capable of reaching an impressive 30,000 revolutions per minute, facilitated by the system's 1,200-volt electrical architecture, which enables precise management of power distribution.
BYD's Blade battery features Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry and is designed to handle high discharge rates of up to 30C. The battery is complemented by an advanced active suspension system, which enables rapid adjustments to vehicle behavior, thereby enhancing stability and control during extreme driving conditions.
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme achieved a notable performance at the Nürburgring, setting a lap time of 6 minutes and 59.157 seconds, solidifying its position as one of the fastest production electric vehicles on the German circuit.
BYD has announced that it will produce a limited number of its U9 Xtreme model, with only 30 units planned for manufacturing. The company will offer customization options for buyers of this exclusive vehicle.
Yangwang's electric technology is showcased in a high-performance vehicle, highlighting the company's capabilities in this area. While this hypercar may not be a practical option for everyday drivers, its achievements underscore the Chinese manufacturer's aspirations in the field.
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has achieved a notable speed record, reaching 503.17 kilometers per hour.
