YANGWANG U9 Track Edition sets global EV speed record

Chinese carmaker BYD’s luxury sub-brand YANGWANG has set a new global electric vehicle (EV) top-speed record, with its U9 Track Edition reaching 472.41 km/h at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg facility in Germany.

The run, completed on 8 August 2025, makes the U9 Track Edition the fastest electric car in the world. The record was achieved with German driver Marc Basseng, who also set the previous EV speed benchmark in 2024.

How does it compare with rivals

The new record surpasses the previous global EV top speed of 412 km/h, set last year with the Rimac Nevera. While still short of the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ (490 km/h), the U9’s achievement highlights how electric hypercars are closing the gap with petrol-powered rivals.

YANGWANG U9 – Performance numbers

The YANGWANG U9 Track Edition is based on the same underpinnings as the standard U9 on sale in China, but with key upgrades designed for extreme performance.

Highlights include:

• 1200V ultra-high-voltage architecture – the first mass-produced system of its kind
• Quad-motor setup – four 555kW motors (30,000rpm), delivering a combined output of over 3,000PS
• Torque-vectoring system that adjusts wheel output more than 100 times per second

Track Edition highlights

The “regular” U9 comes with a suspension system that actively reduces pitch and roll to maintain tyre contact and grip. Additionally, the Track Edition also features an aerodynamic package, which includes an optional carbon-fibre front splitter and a set of semi-slick tyres developed in collaboration with Giti Tire. The tyres use a custom compound and knurling at the rim interface to reduce slippage under heavy acceleration and braking.

Track and testing

The ATP Papenburg proving ground, featuring a 12.3 km high-speed oval track, is regularly utilised by manufacturers for top-speed testing due to its long straights and controlled conditions.

What’s next

YANGWANG has not confirmed if the U9 Track Edition will be offered to customers or remain a technology showcase. However, its 1200V platform and DiSus-X suspension system are expected to influence future BYD performance and mainstream EVs.

In Australia, BYD continues to expand its new energy lineup with models such as the Dolphin, Seal, Sealion 6, Atto 3, Shark 6 and Sealion 7, while the U9 highlights the brand’s push into mega-performance territory to challenge the likes of Rimac and Koenigsegg.