In the world of hypercars, speed records set the benchmark for engineering greatness. China’s BYD has stunned the automotive scene with its Yangwang U9 Track Edition, which reached 472.41 km/h at Germany’s ATP Papenburg track on 8 August 2025. Professional driver Marc Basseng was behind the wheel, securing the U9’s place at the very top of electric performance history. This record edges past the Rimac Nevera R and puts BYD in direct competition with Europe’s most elite automakers.
The Track Edition is a purpose-built version of the road-going U9 that received upgrades designed for extreme performance. A quad motor system delivers an astonishing 2,958 bhp (about 2,976 hp), powered by a 1200V platform that enables faster energy transfer and rapid charging. BYD’s DiSus X intelligent body control system keeps the car balanced while torque vectoring distributes power with incredible precision more than 100 times per second. Specially engineered semi slick Giti tires ensured grip at record breaking speed, while revised aerodynamics, including a carbon fiber front splitter, cut drag and optimized stability.
The Yangwang U9 combines striking looks with cutting edge aerodynamics. Its lightweight carbon fiber body features sharp lines, large cooling intakes, and signature butterfly doors that highlight its hypercar identity. Inside, the focus remains on the driver with a fully digital cockpit and a large infotainment display. The Track Edition trims back luxury to save weight but maintains safety systems necessary for testing at high speed. For Gulf buyers who value both exclusivity and design, the U9 offers a futuristic package that feels as bold as its performance numbers.
The standard Yangwang U9 entered production in 2024, with the first customer delivery taking place in August of that year. By mid 2025, 149 units had been delivered worldwide, making it the first Chinese hypercar to surpass 100 sales. The car is priced at 1.68 million yuan, which converts to about AED 856,000, positioning it as a direct competitor to European exotics but with a uniquely Chinese twist. For enthusiasts in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the U9 represents an opportunity to own a groundbreaking model that is rewriting the EV performance rulebook.
The Yangwang U9 Track Edition’s top speed of 472.41 km/h surpasses the Rimac Nevera R at 472.3 km/h and leaves the Aspark Owl at 438.7 km/h behind. It also puts BYD in the same conversation as legendary petrol powered machines like the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ which reaches around 490 km/h, the SSC Tuatara at 474.8 km/h, and the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut with a theoretical 531 km/h. By beating established European names in the EV category, the U9 proves that Chinese engineering can compete at the very highest level.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.
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