Electric cars are everywhere now. We see them on our roads daily. They are practical and efficient. But pure, raw speed? That’s a different story. Many thought gasoline engines would always win that race.
Think again. BYD’s Yangwang U9 Xtreme just shattered that idea. This incredible machine isn’t just fast. It is now officially the fastest car on Earth. The details of its record-breaking run are astounding.
Shattering Speed Records
On a test track in Papenburg, Germany, the Chinese electric hypercar hit an amazing 496.22 kilometers per hour. That’s about 308.4 miles per hour. This speed earned it the title of “world’s fastest car.” It proves electric vehicles can leave gasoline cars in the dust.
A few weeks ago, BYD unveiled the Yangwang U9 Xtreme. It also made news with its Yangwang U9 Track Edition. That all-electric model boasts nearly 3,000 horsepower. It had set an EV speed record of 472.41 kilometers per hour.
But the team wasn’t satisfied. They returned to the ATP test track in Germany. Their goal grew bolder. They wanted to beat not just other EVs. They aimed to be the fastest production car, period.
They did it. German GT driver Marc Basseng was behind the wheel. The U9 Xtreme surpassed Bugatti’s 2019 record. Bugatti had hit 490.5 kilometers per hour. Now, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ keeps one title. It is the “fastest internal combustion engine production car.”
The Driver’s Edge
Basseng praised the car’s electric power. “This record was possible thanks to the incredible performance of the U9 Xtreme,” he said. He added, “Technically, this simply isn’t possible with an internal combustion engine vehicle.” The silent electric motors help drivers focus. There are no sudden shifts or changes in how the car handles. This makes it easier to concentrate on the road.
Inside the Xtreme Machine
What makes this car so special? The Yangwang U9 Xtreme uses BYD’s 1,200 V ultra-high voltage platform. This is the first of its kind in mass production. It also packs BYD’s newest “blade” lithium iron phosphate batteries.
The record-setting “Xtreme” version has unique features. It rides on smaller 20-inch wheels. Standard models use 21-inch wheels. It also boasts wider 325-millimeter tires. Standard front tires are 275-millimeter. Only 30 of these special “Xtreme” units will ever be made. They are likely for buyers with private tracks or very long driveways.