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22Sep, 2025
On September 14, 2025, at the ATP test track in Papenburg, Germany, the Chinese electric hypercar Yangwang U9 Xtreme (U9X) reached an astonishing 496.22 km/h (≈ 308.4 mph). This achievement makes it the fastest production car in the world, officially dethroning the legendary Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ (490.48 km/h in 2019).
Cutting-Edge Technology That Breaks Limits
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme impresses not only with its speed but also with its engineering breakthroughs:
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1,200-volt electrical system – far beyond the 400–800V architecture found in most EVs.
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Blade Battery (LFP) – BYD’s proprietary technology, known for durability and high discharge performance.
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Four electric motors with a combined output of over 3,000 horsepower (≈ 3,019 PS).
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Advanced aerodynamics – large front splitter, dual intakes, massive rear wing, and a double-layer diffuser for stability near 500 km/h.
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Specialized tires – GitiSport e·Gtr2 Pro, developed to withstand extreme loads at record-breaking speeds.
Dimensions & Limited Production
The U9X measures almost 5 meters in length, 2.03 meters wide, and 1.35 meters tall, with a wheelbase of 2.9 meters, ensuring stability on the track.
Only 30 units will ever be produced worldwide, turning it into a collector’s masterpiece.
Double Victory: Nürburgring Lap Record
Besides the top speed record, the U9 Xtreme also set an impressive lap time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife — 6:59.157 minutes — becoming the first production EV to break the 7-minute barrier.
U9 Xtreme vs Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+
Parameter | Yangwang U9 Xtreme | Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ |
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Top Speed | 496.22 km/h | 490.48 km/h |
Powertrain | 4 electric motors (EV) | W16 petrol engine |
Output | ~3,019 PS | 1,600 PS |
Production Run | 30 units | 30 units |
What This Means for the Industry
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme proves that electric cars are no longer just an alternative — they now lead the race in performance. With this record, BYD and its luxury sub-brand Yangwang have overtaken traditional supercar giants like Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and Rimac.
This achievement shows that China is not only catching up but also setting new benchmarks in the hypercar world.
Conclusion
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme is more than just a car. It’s a symbol of technological dominance and a glimpse into the future of automotive engineering. With only 30 units to be made, it will remain a rare icon, remembered as the hypercar that proved China can surpass Europe’s finest in the race for speed.