In a monumental shift for the automotive industry, Chinese automaker BYD has claimed the title of the world’s fastest production car. Its all-electric hypercar, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme EV, officially recorded a blistering top speed of 496.22 km/h (308.3 mph), dethroning the long-held record set by the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+.
The historic speed run took place on September 14, 2025, at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg test track in Germany. German test driver Marc Basseng piloted the U9 Xtreme to the new benchmark, surpassing the 2019 record of 490.4 km/h (304.8 mph) set by the Bugatti.
This achievement marks the first time a Chinese manufacturer has claimed the top spot in this ultimate performance category and solidifies the rise of the electric powertrain in the hypercar segment.
The U9 Xtreme is a limited-edition variant of the Yangwang U9 and is a powerhouse of cutting-edge technology:
- Immense Power: The hypercar generates a staggering 3,027 horsepower from its four independent electric motors. Each motor spins up to 30,000 rpm.
- 1,200-Volt Architecture: It features the world’s first 1,200-volt electrical system in a production car, providing 170% more power density than common 800-volt systems and allowing for unmatched power delivery.
- Advanced Battery: Energy is supplied by a BYD Blade battery designed to handle a continuous, ultra-high 30C discharge rate for maximum output.
- Next-Gen Suspension: Stability at extreme speeds is managed by BYD’s innovative Disus-X suspension system, which scans the road 100 times per second to adjust stiffness and torque distribution.
