BYD’s luxury performance brand YANGWANG has set a new production-car speed record, with its all-electric U9 Xtreme reaching 503.17km/h (312.65mph) during a high-speed run in Abu Dhabi.
The achievement, recorded on 1 November 2026, surpasses the car’s previous benchmark of 496.22km/h and establishes two Guinness World Records: the highest speed achieved by a production car and by an electric production car in a single-direction run.
The record has also been recognised by motorsport governing body the FIA.
Where was the record set?
The attempt took place on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road (E11), in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region.
German racing driver Marc Basseng, who previously drove the U9 Xtreme to its 496.22km/h record in Germany, returned behind the wheel.
A 10km section of road was closed for the attempt, providing a seven-kilometre straight for high-speed running.
Following initial runs on 31 October, engineers adjusted the car’s aerodynamics, suspension settings and tyre pressures. The following day, Basseng achieved the new record on the second run.
What makes the U9 Xtreme so fast?
The U9 Xtreme uses four independently controlled electric motors producing a combined 3,019PS — more than twice the output of the standard U9.
Its advanced 1,200-volt electrical architecture, specially developed Blade Battery and sophisticated torque-vectoring system are designed to deliver exceptional power while maintaining stability at extreme speeds.
The car also features BYD’s DiSus-X intelligent suspension system, which continuously adjusts the vehicle’s body control, together with specially developed Giti semi-slick tyres.
How does the new record compare?
The U9 Xtreme’s development has been remarkably rapid. The original U9 reached 309km/h in January 2024 and 391.94km/h later that year. The U9 Xtreme subsequently achieved 472.41km/h in August 2025 and 496.22km/h in September 2025, before breaking the 500km/h barrier in November 2026.
The U9 Xtreme has also recorded a 6min 59.157sec lap of Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife, a production electric-car lap record according to YANGWANG.
What did the driver say?
Marc Basseng highlighted the additional challenges of achieving such speeds on a closed public road rather than a dedicated proving ground.
Breaking a world record once is extraordinary but doing it again in such a different environment is truly special.
Marc Basseng, record-breaking driver
He credited the engineering team’s preparation and the vehicle’s stability for the successful attempt.
Will the YANGWANG U9 Xtreme go into production?
Yes. Production will be strictly limited to just 30 vehicles worldwide.
The first production-standard example, named Dawn Moment, was unveiled at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, featuring a distinctive gold-effect finish.
According to YANGWANG, some customers have already approved their bespoke specifications and are progressing towards contracts and production scheduling.
YANGWANG U9 Xtreme — At a glance
| Manufacturer | YANGWANG (BYD) |
| Powertrain | Four electric motors |
| Combined output | 3,019PS |
| Record speed | 503.17km/h (312.65mph) |
| Electrical platform | 1,200 volts |
| Battery | BYD Blade Battery |
| Production | 30 vehicles worldwide |
| Record location | Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Driver | Marc Basseng |
Motoring Echo Verdict
Breaking the 500km/h barrier represents a significant achievement for electric vehicle engineering.
Beyond the headline speed, the U9 Xtreme demonstrates how advances in electric motors, battery technology and electronic chassis control are extending the performance capabilities of production vehicles.
With just 30 examples planned, it will remain an exceptionally rare hypercar, but the engineering behind it could influence future high-performance electric vehicles.
Source: YANGWANG / BYD, November 2026.
