Chinese Electric Hypercar Sets New Production Car Speed Record

A Chinese electric hypercar has claimed the title of world's fastest production car after reaching a speed of 496.22 kmph at a test facility in Germany. The Yangwang U9 Xtreme, manufactured by BYD's luxury sub-brand, completed its record run on 14 September 2025 at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for electric vehicle technology and represents a shift in global automotive leadership. The U9 Xtreme's speed surpassed the previous record held by the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, which achieved 490.48 kmph in August 2019. German test driver Andy Wallace set that record at Volkswagen's Ehra-Lessien facility, also in Germany. 

Marc Basseng, a German racing specialist, piloted the U9 Xtreme during its record attempt. The vehicle utilises four electric motors producing more than 3,000 horsepower, powered by a 1,200-volt electrical system. This configuration represents double the voltage of standard electric vehicles, which typically operate on 400-volt systems.

The hypercar incorporates several advanced technologies including ultra-thin super silicon electric motors, each spinning at 30,000 rpm. The vehicle features a lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery with a discharge rate of 30C and track-specific semi-slick tyres. Modified DiSus-X suspension provides stability at extreme speeds. 

World's Fastest Production Cars

Electric propulsion technology has proven instrumental in achieving these speeds. The U9 Xtreme's electric motors provide instant torque delivery without the power interruptions associated with traditional combustion engines. This allows for smoother acceleration and eliminates gear changes that can disrupt power flow at high speeds.

The record represents the culmination of advances in battery technology, motor efficiency, and aerodynamics. Electric vehicles can maintain consistent power output across their operating range, unlike internal combustion engines that experience power variations. The absence of mechanical vibrations and engine noise also enables drivers to maintain better focus during high-speed runs.

Yangwang will produce only 30 units of the U9 Xtreme for customers. The achievement demonstrates China's growing capabilities in automotive technology and challenges the traditional dominance of European hypercar manufacturers. BYD's success follows the company's position as a global leader in new energy vehicle production.

The speed record validates theoretical calculations and computer simulations used in the vehicle's development. Modern hypercar design increasingly relies on computational fluid dynamics and advanced materials to achieve performance targets that were previously considered impossible for road-legal vehicles.