Yangwang U9 Xtreme Breaks 500 km/h Barrier in Historic Speed Run
The Chinese electric supercar achieves record-breaking performance on an Abu Dhabi public highway.
1Record-Breaking Speed Milestone
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme has officially surpassed the 500 km/h threshold, reaching a top speed of 503.17 km/h. This historic run took place on a closed stretch of the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road in Abu Dhabi. The vehicle is now recognized as the world's fastest production car.
2Engineering the Electric Powertrain
Powering this performance is a quad-motor architecture that places an individual electric motor at each wheel. This setup generates a total output of 2,978 horsepower and 2,478 ft-lbs of torque. The vehicle utilizes advanced independent torque control and specialized tires designed to withstand the extreme stresses of such high-speed operation.
3Expert Driver Behind Wheel
Veteran sports-car and endurance racer Marc Basseng piloted the vehicle during the record-setting sprint on November 1, 2026. Basseng previously set a record of 496.22 km/h for the same vehicle 13 months earlier at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg facility in Germany, demonstrating consistent performance improvements over the testing period.
4Official Global Recognition
The performance received official validation from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, the governing body for world motorsports. Additionally, the run secured two Guinness World Records: the highest speed achieved by a production car in a single-direction run and the highest speed achieved by an electric production car in that category.
5Strategic Public Road Testing
Parent company BYD chose a 6.21-mile stretch of the E11 highway in the Al Dhafra region for the attempt. Crews specifically cleaned and prepared the public road to ensure safety during the high-stakes sprint. This decision aimed to demonstrate that the vehicle's capabilities extend well beyond the confines of traditional race tracks.
6Limited Production and Pricing
Production of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme is strictly limited to 30 units worldwide. While pricing is estimated at approximately $2.76 million to $3 million USD, the vehicle is currently unavailable for import into the U.S. market. Prospective buyers must travel to China to finalize the purchase of this exclusive electric supercar.
7Showcasing at Dubai Expo
Following the record, the vehicle debuted at the 2026 Dubai International Electric Vehicle Conference and Exhibition. The event, hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre, features 120 companies showcasing innovations in sustainable mobility. The Yangwang U9 Xtreme served as a primary attraction, highlighting the technical evolution of Chinese new-energy vehicle manufacturers.
8Future of Electric Mobility
The success of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme underscores the rapid advancement of electric vehicle engineering. By pushing the boundaries of speed and power, BYD aims to cement its status as a global leader in new-energy technology. This achievement signals a shift in how electric supercars are perceived in the global automotive market.
Original article: Hypebeast — Yangwang U9 Xtreme Breaks 500 km/h Barrier in Historic Speed Run