Breaks 500 km/h speed barrier
BYD YANGWANG U9 Xtreme Sets Speed Record
- Reaches top speed of 503.17 km/h on Abu Dhabi road
- Surpasses its previous 496.22 km/h record set in Germany
- Powered by four electric motors delivering over 3,000 horsepower
Redefining the boundaries of electric mobility and automotive engineering, the world's leading new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer BYD has achieved an unprecedented technological milestone. On Thursday, November 12, 2026, sources informed that BYD's luxury automotive brand YANGWANG has set a new global speed record with its U9 Xtreme, becoming the first production car to surpass 500 km/h. The vehicle reached a staggering top speed of 503.17 km/h on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, securing two Guinness World Records.
The achievement surpasses the previous record of 496.22 km/h, which was set by the same vehicle in Germany in September 2025. Racing driver Marc Basseng, who also drove the car during its previous record-breaking run, was behind the wheel. The latest records recognize the highest speed achieved by a production car and an electric production car in a single-direction run. This extraordinary achievement has also received official recognition from the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body of international motorsport.
The U9 Xtreme is powered by four independent electric motors, delivering a massive combined output of more than 3,000 horsepower. Its 1,200-volt platform and BYD's advanced Blade Battery technology support high power output alongside efficient thermal management. The vehicle also features the company's proprietary e4 Platform, which independently controls torque distribution across all four wheels to maintain absolute stability even at extreme speeds.
BYD Executive Vice-President Stella Li stated that the achievement reflected the engineering team's continued efforts to improve the vehicle's performance following its previous world record in Germany. Commenting on the success, Imtiaz Nawsher, Chief Marketing Officer of BYD Bangladesh, mentioned that the YANGWANG U9 Xtreme’s achievement marks an important milestone in the development of electric vehicle technology. Breaking the 500 km/h barrier demonstrates how advancements in electric powertrains, battery technology, and vehicle engineering are expanding the possibilities of electric mobility.
He further added that continued innovation will play an important role in shaping the future of the automotive industry, making electric mobility an increasingly compelling choice for consumers. The record reflects the growing capabilities of electric powertrains and the crucial role of battery technology in advancing automotive engineering. Through continuous research and development, BYD is exploring new possibilities in vehicle performance, efficiency, and safety, actively contributing to the wider evolution of electric mobility.
//DBTech/ANSCN/RESME/FOPTE//





