he automotive world has a new speed king — and it runs on electricity. The Yangwang U9 Xtreme, a hypercar from BYD’s luxury performance brand, has officially reached a top speed of 496.22 km/h (308.4 mph) at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg in Germany, making it the fastest production car ever built and the fastest electric vehicle in history.
Only 30 units will be produced worldwide, with pricing yet to be announced. For comparison, the standard Yangwang U9 sells in China starting at around USD 236,000, but the Xtreme is expected to cost significantly more given its exclusivity and engineering.
The U9 Xtreme clocked at a whopping 496.22 kph Photo Courtesy BYD
Developed by BYD, the U9 Xtreme is powered by four electric motors producing a combined output of nearly 3,000 horsepower. It runs on a pioneering 1,200-volt platform and uses BYD’s advanced Blade lithium-iron-phosphate battery, adapted for extreme performance and rapid discharge. At nearly 2,480 kilograms, it features extensive aerodynamic upgrades, a carbon-fiber body, custom tires rated for over 500 km/h, and a revised suspension system designed to keep the car stable at the limit.
Its performance extends beyond straight-line speed. The U9 Xtreme also recorded a 6:59.157 lap at Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife, placing it among the fastest production cars ever to conquer the legendary track.
This achievement marks a turning point for the hypercar world. For decades, European combustion-engine machines defined the segment. Now, BYD has proved that an electric hypercar can not only compete but surpass them — showing that the future of the world’s fastest cars is electric.
Whether the U9 Xtreme will ever appear in Thailand remains uncertain. With only 30 units available globally, its presence here would likely be limited to showcase events or private collectors. Still, as Thailand positions itself as a hub for electric vehicle manufacturing, a local appearance cannot be ruled out.
For now, the world’s newest fastest car is also the world’s fastest EV — a landmark moment in automotive history, and a defining achievement for BYD.
