In the realm of electric supercars, a new contender has arrived, setting its sights on the prestigious Nurburgring: the 1,300 horsepower Yangwang U9 from BYD. Renowned for its affordable vehicles, BYD is now leveraging its Yangwang premium brand to break into the luxury and high-performance market. With the U9, BYD is not only showcasing its engineering prowess but also making a bold statement to the automotive world.
BYD's decision to test the Yangwang U9 at the Nurburgring is strategic. The track, famous for its grueling and varied conditions, serves as a benchmark for automotive performance. By bringing the U9 prototypes to this iconic circuit, BYD aims to fine-tune the vehicle's capabilities and boost its image as a serious contender in the luxury supercar segment. This mirrors the approach taken by Hyundai with their high-performance N division, which significantly elevated their brand's reputation.
The Yangwang U9's presence at the Nurburgring is not just for show. Videos from CarSpyMedia depict the car aggressively navigating the track, demonstrating its impressive acceleration and braking capabilities. Notably, the brake rotors glow red-hot, a visual testament to the intense demands placed on the car during these high-speed maneuvers.
The U9 is equipped with a quad-motor setup, one for each wheel, delivering a combined output of 1,287 horsepower and 1,672 Nm of torque. Despite its substantial weight of nearly 5,500 lbs, the U9 can launch from 0 to 100 kmh in a blistering 2.36 seconds. While it may not outpace the Tesla Model S Plaid or the Lucid Air Sapphire, it still ranks among the quickest accelerating cars globally.
Comparisons with other electric supercars, such as the Rimac Nevera, highlight the U9's competitive edge. Although the Nevera boasts a higher power output and faster quarter-mile times, the U9’s 9.87-second quarter-mile time is comparable to the legendary Porsche 911 Turbo S, placing it firmly within the realm of supercar performance.
The U9’s design is as radical as its performance, featuring a large rear wing and a bespoke EV platform. The innovative suspension system not only eliminates roll through corners but also allows for unique capabilities like making the car jump or drive on three wheels, reminiscent of classic Citroën vehicles. Charging infrastructure is also a highlight, with the U9 capable of 500 kW fast charging, achieving a 30 to 80% charge in just 10 minutes.
The Yangwang U9 represents BYD's bold entry into the high-performance electric vehicle market. Its presence at the Nurburgring underscores the brand's commitment to excellence and its aspiration to compete with the best in the industry. With impressive specs, innovative features, and a competitive price point, the U9 is poised to attract enthusiasts and establish BYD as a serious player in the luxury supercar segment. As the automotive world watches closely, the Yangwang U9 might just redefine what is expected from an electric supercar.
Wael is an automotive content writer specializes in creating written content for Motor 283. Producing a wide range of content, including blog posts, articles, product descriptions, reviews, and technical guides related to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, with an unprecedented passion for cars, and motorcycles.