BYD's Yangwang U9 Xtreme Sets New Speed Records in Abu Dhabi
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme, a high-performance electric vehicle from BYD, has achieved two Guinness World Records for speed, marking a significant milestone in automotive history.
A new chapter in the annals of automotive excellence was written recently when BYD's Yangwang U9 Xtreme achieved a remarkable feat on a closed highway in Abu Dhabi. The car reached a blistering speed of 312 miles per hour (503.17 kilometers per hour), setting a new benchmark for production cars and solidifying its place as the fastest production electric car ever recorded 123.
This impressive achievement not only cements the U9 Xtreme's status as a pinnacle of engineering but also marks a significant leap forward for electric vehicles in terms of performance capabilities. The previous top speed record for the U9 Xtreme stood at 496.22 kilometers per hour (308 miles per hour), set in Germany just months prior, highlighting the rapid advancements made in the field of electric car technology 1.
The record-breaking run took place on a specially designated 7-kilometer stretch of the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region, which was temporarily closed to traffic for the event 1. The driving duties were entrusted to Marc Basseng, a renowned German racing driver, who navigated the U9 Xtreme through its record-setting run with precision and skill 1.
The U9 Xtreme is equipped with four powerful electric motors, each rated at 555 kilowatts, delivering a combined output of over 3,000 horsepower 1. Additionally, the car utilizes a 1,200-volt architecture and features LFP cells from BYD’s innovative Blade Battery technology, contributing to its exceptional performance and energy efficiency 1. These technical specifications not only enable the U9 Xtreme to reach extraordinary speeds but also ensure it maintains optimal performance even at lower battery levels 2.
With only 30 units of the U9 Xtreme slated for production, each priced at approximately $3 million, this model represents a rare and highly coveted piece of automotive artistry 1. Its unique blend of cutting-edge technology and breathtaking speed positions it as a standout in the world of luxury and performance vehicles.
What We Know
- - The Yangwang U9 Xtreme achieved a speed of 312 mph (503.17 km/h) in Abu Dhabi 123
- - It is now the fastest production car and production electric car 12
- - Marc Basseng drove the U9 Xtreme to set these records 1
- - The record-breaking run happened on a 7 km stretch of the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road 1
- - Previous top speed for the U9 Xtreme was 496.22 km/h (308 mph) 1
- - The U9 Xtreme uses four electric motors with a total power output of over 3,000 PS 1
- - The car has a 1,200-volt architecture and LFP cells from BYD’s Blade Battery technology 1
- - Only 30 units of the U9 Xtreme will be produced, priced at around $3 million each 1
Trust Score report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 72%, weighted across 13 claims from 3 independent outlets.
- confirmed BYD's Yangwang U9 Xtreme achieved a speed of 312 mph (503.17 km/h) on a closed highway in Abu Dhabi. (93%)
- likely This speed makes the U9 Xtreme the first production car to exceed 500 km/h. (71%)
- likely The U9 Xtreme holds the record for the highest speed for both a production car and a production electric car. (70%)
- likely Marc Basseng, a German racing driver, drove the U9 Xtreme to achieve this record. (71%)
- likely The record-breaking run occurred on a 7 km straight section of the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region. (71%)
- likely The previous top speed record for the U9 Xtreme was 496.22 km/h (308 mph), set in Germany in September 2025. (71%)
- likely The U9 Xtreme uses four electric motors, each rated at 555 kW, providing a total power output of over 3,000 PS. (71%)
- likely The car runs on a 1,200-volt architecture with LFP cells from BYD’s Blade Battery technology. (71%)
- likely Only 30 units of the U9 Xtreme will be produced, priced at around $3 million each. (71%)
- likely The U9 Xtreme has over 3000 hp from four electric motors. (70%)
- likely The U9 Xtreme has a 1200-volt battery architecture and improved thermal efficiency. (70%)
- likely The U9 Xtreme can produce 1800 kilowatts of power even at 20% charge. (70%)
- likely The speed record was achieved on a 4.35-mile stretch of public road in Abu Dhabi that was temporarily closed. (70%)
Sources
- Electrek — BYD’s electric hypercar hits 312 mph, first production car over 500 km/h
https://electrek.co/2026/11/06/byd-yangwang-u9-xtreme-first-production-car-500-km-h/ - Car and Driver — The Yangwang U9 Xtreme Just Set Two Guinness World Speed Records
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a74361623/yangwang-u9-xtreme-top-speed-records-312-mph/ - Motor1 — Chinese EV Hits 312 MPH To Become The World's Fastest Production Car: Onboard Video
https://www.motor1.com/news/814648/byd-yangwang-u9-xtreme-312-mph/