The Yangwang U9 Xtreme, developed by BYD, has achieved a groundbreaking speed of 503.17 km/h on a closed section of the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road (E11) in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This remarkable feat, recognized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), marks a significant milestone in the automotive industry. The test, conducted on November 1, 2026, saw the car surpass the 500 km/h barrier for the first time in the history of production cars.
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme's impressive performance is a testament to BYD's innovative engineering and design. With a powerful electric motor producing 3,019 horsepower, the car was able to accelerate to incredible speeds, shattering its previous record of 496.22 km/h set in September 2025 in Papenburg, Germany. The vehicle's advanced suspension, aerodynamics, and tires played a crucial role in achieving this remarkable speed, with the car's German pilot, Marc Basseng, praising the team's meticulous attention to detail.
The record-breaking run was part of a two-pass test, with the first pass confirming the car's progress in terms of suspension, aerodynamics, and tires. The second pass ultimately yielded the record-breaking speed, with Basseng acknowledging the team's hard work and dedication. BYD's Vice President, Stella Li, expressed her pride in the team's achievement, highlighting the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance.
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme's achievement has earned it two Guinness World Records: the fastest production car and the fastest electric production car, both on a single direction of travel. This prestigious recognition solidifies BYD's position as a leader in the electric vehicle market, showcasing the company's ability to produce high-performance cars that rival traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme's speed surpasses that of the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, which held the previous record with a speed of 490.5 km/h since 2019. This achievement demonstrates BYD's rapid progress in electric vehicle technology, with the company continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible.
The record-breaking test was conducted under strict conditions, with the FIA verifying the results. BYD's commitment to transparency and validation underscores the company's dedication to achieving genuine and recognized milestones in the automotive industry. The Yangwang U9 Xtreme's achievement serves as a testament to the potential of electric vehicles to deliver exceptional performance and speed.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, BYD's Yangwang U9 Xtreme sets a new benchmark for production car speed. With its impressive performance and innovative design, the car is poised to inspire a new generation of electric vehicle enthusiasts and manufacturers. The achievement also highlights the potential for electric vehicles to dominate the high-performance market in the years to come.
Key points
- The Yangwang U9 Xtreme reached a record-breaking speed of 503.17 km/h on a closed road in Abu Dhabi.
- The car earned two Guinness World Records: the fastest production car and the fastest electric production car.
- The achievement demonstrates BYD's rapid progress in electric vehicle technology and innovation.
