BYD Yangwang U9 becomes the fastest EV on earth: BYD is no longer just building elegantly styled electric cars—it’s setting new performance benchmarks. On August 8, 2025, its luxury sub-brand Yangwang, with German racer Marc Basseng at the helm, achieved a groundbreaking feat: the Yangwang U9 Track Edition reached an astounding 472.41 km/h (293.54 mph) at the ATP Automotive Testing track in Papenburg, Germany—becoming the world’s fastest electric vehicle.
This performance shattered the previous EV top-speed record held by the Rimac Nevera R (268 mph), marking a leap of over 20%.
Quad-Motor Power and e⁴ Platform
The U9 Track Edition is based on the same e⁴ Platform and DiSus-X architecture as the production Yangwang U9—but ramped up substantially. Each of the four motors delivers approximately 555 kW (around 744 hp), totaling close to 3,000 hp (≈2,960–2,977 hp).
The vehicle operates on a 1,200 V ultra-high-voltage system, complemented by an advanced thermal-management system, for efficient power delivery under extreme conditions.
Advanced Torque Vectoring & Suspension
The e⁴ Platform features a quad-motor independent torque-vectoring system, adjusting torque at each wheel over 100 times per second to maintain traction and body posture at blistering speeds.
The DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System adds another layer of control—making rapid, independent suspension adjustments to minimize pitch and roll while maximizing grip on dynamic surfaces.
Track-Tuned Design Enhancements
- Aerodynamic Upgrades: The Track Edition includes an enhanced carbon-fiber front splitter, optimized for reduced drag at ultra-high speeds.
- Purpose-Built Tires: In collaboration with Giti Tire, BYD developed semi-slick track tires featuring a bespoke compound and tread, plus knurling and high-viscosity lubricant at the rim interface to reduce slippage and wear and boost stability.
The Driver and the Moment
German racer Marc Basseng, who had previously set the EV top speed with the Rimac Nevera R, piloted the record-breaking run. Reflecting on his achievement, he remarked:
“Last year, I thought I’d peaked. I never expected to break my own record so soon — but here we are, at the same track, with new technologies that have made it possible.” BYDRoad & Track
Why It Matters?
With this accomplishment, BYD’s Yangwang brand has firmly entered the elite hypercar arena, traditionally dominated by European stalwarts like Bugatti and Koenigsegg. The U9 Track Edition not only showcases blazing speed, but also cutting-edge engineering, sophisticated aerodynamics, and advanced vehicle control systems—all wrapped in a sustainable EV platform.
Conclusion
The Yangwang U9 Track Edition stands as a monumental declaration of China’s arrival in global electric hypercar performance. At 472.41 km/h, it has rewritten the EV top-speed record—powered by nearly 3,000 horsepower, refined torque-vectoring, intelligent suspension, and high-speed toughness built for the future. It’s more than a car—it’s a statement.
Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into its aerodynamic engineering, battery tech, or how it stacks up against specific competitors like the Rimac Nevera or Aspark Owl.
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