503.17km/h! BYD Yangwang U9X makes history as the world's fastest production car – FIA recognition and two Guinness records

The BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme (U9X) has reached a top speed of 503.17km/h in Abu Dhabi, making it the first production car to exceed 500km/h. The run took place on 1 November, and the result was officially recognised by the FIA on 6 November. It also secured the electric hypercar two Guinness World Records.

The two records are for the highest top speed achieved by a production car in a single direction and the highest top speed achieved by a production electric car in a single direction.

The two Guinness World Records claimed are: "Fastest single-direction top speed achieved by a production car" and "Fastest single-direction top speed achieved by a production electric car". This run also eclipsed the previous 496.22 km/h benchmark set by the U9X in Germany last September by a margin of 6.95 km/h.

Testing on a closed section of Abu Dhabi highway

Rather than using a dedicated high-speed test facility, Yangwang carried out the record attempt on a 10km section of the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Highway (E11) in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi.

The road was closed for the test, providing a 7km straight for the high-speed runs. The attempt was supported by local authorities and the FIA.

German racing driver Marc Basseng, who also drove the U9 Xtreme during its previous record attempt in Germany, was behind the wheel.

On 31 October, the car completed two runs at speeds of up to 490km/h. The engineering team then made overnight adjustments to the rear wing angle, suspension software and tyre pressures before returning to the highway on 1 November. The revised set-up helped Basseng push the car to 503.17km/h.

That result surpassed the U9 Xtreme's previous record of 496.22km/h, set in Germany in September 2025, by 6.95km/h.

Four motors deliver 3,019PS

The U9 Xtreme's performance comes from four independent electric motors, each producing 755PS (555kW). Combined output stands at 3,019PS, with the motors capable of reaching 30,000rpm. Yangwang quotes a power-to-weight ratio of 1,217PS per tonne.

It also uses a 1,200V electrical architecture, compared with the standard U9's 800V system. The platform supports a maximum current of 1,000A, while the LFP Blade Battery features a cell power density 170% higher than that of the 800V system. Its 30C discharge rate allows it to deliver up to 1,800kW of power at 20% state of charge.

Managing that output at extreme speeds also requires control over the car's body movements.

The DiSus-X active body control system can generate up to 50kN of active force within 120 milliseconds, helping counter body pitch under acceleration and braking. The car also runs on Giti semi-slick tyres developed specifically for high-speed use.

U9 Xtreme's track achievements

The 503.17km/h run is the latest in a series of performance milestones for the U9 family.

The original U9 reached 309km/h at Wuhan Hannan Airport in January 2024, followed by 391.94km/h at Papenburg, Germany, in October that year.

The U9 Xtreme subsequently raised the benchmark to 472.41km/h in August 2025 and then 496.22km/h the following month, before setting the latest record in Abu Dhabi.

Top speed is not its only achievement. The U9 Xtreme has also completed the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 6 minutes 59.157 seconds, setting a production electric car lap record. Yangwang says the car used for the Nürburgring run had the same specification as the one that achieved the top-speed record.

Only 30 units worldwide

Yangwang will build just 30 examples of the U9 Xtreme worldwide. The first production-specification car, named Dawn Moment, was presented at this year's Beijing Auto Show. Some customers have already confirmed their bespoke specifications, with contracts signed and production slots arranged.

Source: BYD official press release and FIA official announcement

Web: http://www.bitauto.hk/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@bitautohk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bitautohongkong/