The Yangwang U9 Track Edition, developed by BYD’s premium sub-brand, has set a new global electric vehicle speed record. On 8 August 2025, at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany, professional driver Marc Basseng recorded a top speed of 472.41 km/h.
AI Quick Summary
The BYD Yangwang U9 Track Edition, an electric supercar, achieved a top speed of 472.41 km/h, setting a new world record for EVs. Driven by Marc Basseng at Germany’s ATP Papenburg track, this surpasses the Rimac Nevera R and utilizes a 2,958 bhp quad-motor powertrain, 1200V architecture, and advanced chassis technology. The Track Edition builds upon the standard Yangwang U9, which began customer deliveries in 2024 and has already seen over 149 units on the road.
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This achievement surpasses the Rimac Nevera R (472.3 km/h) and places the U9 ahead of the Aspark Owl (438.7 km/h). Just a year earlier, Basseng had pushed the standard Yangwang U9 to 376 km/h at the same facility.
Technical Advances Behind the Speed
The Track Edition is based on the same platform as the road-going U9 but is upgraded for extreme performance:
- Quad-motor powertrain: Each motor produces 555 kW, for a combined output of 2,958 bhp (2,976 hp / 2,220 kW).
- 1200V ultra-high voltage platform: allows more efficient energy transfer and faster charging compared to common 800V systems.
- Torque vectoring: adjusts power distribution more than 100 times per second, improving grip and stability.
- DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control: an electronic suspension system that reduces roll, maintains balance during high-speed manoeuvres, and adapts to track conditions.
Aerodynamics: the Track Edition removes the standard U9’s large rear wing, adds a new carbon fibre front splitter, and features lightweight body adjustments to cut drag. - Tyres: specially designed semi-slick tyres developed with Giti Tire to withstand extreme speeds and reduce slippage.
Here are more details about the Yangwang U9, the hypercar that jumps off the road.
Design and Interior
The Yangwang U9 is a two-door electric supercar featuring a carbon-fibre composite body to minimise weight. Its design includes butterfly doors, sharp aerodynamic lines, and large air intakes for battery and motor cooling.
Inside, the U9 features a driver-focused digital cockpit, a large infotainment screen, and advanced driver assistance systems. The Track Edition keeps weight low by reducing interior luxury features but retains safety equipment needed for high-speed testing.
Production and Deliveries
The standard U9 entered production in 2024 in China. The first customer delivery occurred in August 2024, and by mid-2025, 149 units had been delivered. This makes it the first Chinese-built supercar to exceed 100 customer deliveries. The car is priced at ¥1.68 million (around AED 856,000).
Speed Record Comparison
| Car Model | Powertrain | Horsepower (approx.) | Top Speed (km/h) |
| BYD Yangwang U9 Track Edition | 4 electric motors, 1200V | 2,958 bhp / 2,976 hp | 472.41 |
| Rimac Nevera R | 4 electric motors, 800V | 1,914 hp | 472.3 |
| Aspark Owl | 4 electric motors | 1,984 hp | 438.7 |
| Bugatti Chiron SS 300+ | W16 petrol engine | 1,578 hp | ~490 |
| SSC Tuatara | V8 petrol engine | 1,750 hp | 474.8 |
| Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut | V8 petrol engine | 1,600 hp | ~531 |
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FAQs
What is the top speed of the Yangwang U9 Track Edition?
It reached 472.41 km/h (293.5 mph) at Germany’s ATP Papenburg track on 8 August 2025.
How much horsepower does the U9 Track Edition have?
The quad‑motor setup delivers over 2,958 bhp (~2,976 hp).
What technologies enable the U9’s high-speed performance?
It uses a 1200 V ultra‑high‑voltage platform, advanced torque‑vectoring, DiSus‑X active suspension, and custom semi‑slick Giti tyres.
Who drove the U9 to the record speed?
Professional driver Marc Basseng performed the run at ATP Papenburg.
Is this officially the fastest electric vehicle ever?
BYD claims it is. It surpasses other production EVs like the Rimac Nevera R (472.3 km/h).
The Yangwang U9 Track Edition, developed by BYD’s premium sub-brand, has set a new global electric vehicle speed record. On 8 August 2025, at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany, professional driver Marc Basseng recorded a top speed
