Quick HighlightsRecord Speed: 496.22 kmph (308.4 mph) at ATP Papenburg, GermanyBeats Petrol Rival: Surpasses Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ (490.48 kmph / 304.8 mph)Powertrain: 2,978 bhp from four high-speed motors, each spinning up to 30,000 rpmBattery Tech: 1,200V Blade Battery with 30C discharge rate for extreme performanceLimited Production: Only 30 units of the U9 Xtreme will be madeBYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme Becomes the Fastest Production Car in the World at 496 kmph (308 mph) — A New World Record in Automotive HistoryThe automotive world has a new speed king. BYD’s luxury sub-brand Yangwang has officially set the global top-speed record for production cars with its U9 Xtreme hypercar, also known as U9X. On 14 September 2025 , the U9X reached a breathtaking 496.22 kmph (308.4 mph) at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg high-speed oval in Germany , making it the fastest road-legal car in the world —electric or petrol-powered.This historic run dethrones the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ , which managed 490.48 kmph (304.8 mph) in 2019, and leaves previous electric record-holders like the Aspark Owl (439 kmph / 272.6 mph) and Rimac Nevera (431 kmph / 268.2 mph) far behind.Also Read: BYD Yangwang U9 Track Edition Breaks Record for Fastest EV on Earth!Engineering Behind the SpeedThe Yangwang U9 Xtreme is more than just a modified version of the U9. It represents a new chapter in electric vehicle performance engineering . Built on the U9’s existing platform but significantly upgraded, the U9X boasts:1,200V Ultra-High Voltage Platform: The first production car to adopt this technology, offering faster current flow than the previous 800V system.Blade Battery Technology: A lithium iron phosphate battery with a 30C discharge rate, capable of sustaining extreme outputs safely.Four High-Speed Electric Motors: Each spins at up to 30,000 rpm, producing a combined 2,978 bhp (over 3,000 PS) —more than double the standard U9’s 1,288 bhp.Super-Silicon Steel: At just 0.1 mm thick, it helps achieve higher efficiency in motor construction.Track-Focused Setup: 20-inch wheels, wider 325 mm front tyres, track-level semi-slicks, and specially tuned DiSus-X suspension to withstand extreme forces.Despite these radical upgrades, the U9X weighs only 2,480 kg , just 5 kg more than the regular U9, proving BYD’s focus on balancing performance and efficiency.The Driver Behind the RecordThe U9X’s record-breaking run was piloted by Marc Basseng , a seasoned German racing driver and endurance specialist. Basseng, who had previously clocked 375 kmph (233 mph) in the standard U9, described the experience:“This record was only possible because the U9 Xtreme simply has incredible performance. Technically, something like this is not possible with a combustion engine. Thanks to the electric motor, the car is quiet, there are no load changes, and that allows me to focus even more on the track.”His skill and composure under extreme conditions helped secure Yangwang’s place in history.BYD’s Vision: Redefining the PossibleBYD executive vice-president Stella Li expressed pride in the achievement:“This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone in the research and development division. Yangwang is a brand that does not recognise the impossible. I extend my gratitude to the whole team, and my thanks to the driver, Marc Basseng, for his skill and technical input. It’s terrific that the fastest production car in the world is now electric.”This accomplishment underscores BYD’s goal of proving that electric vehicles can not only match but surpass traditional combustion-engine hypercars in the most demanding performance metrics.Exclusivity and LegacyThe Yangwang U9 Xtreme is not just a record-setter—it’s also one of the most exclusive cars in the world. BYD has confirmed that only 30 units will be produced globally , each carrying a name derived from the English word Extreme , with the “X” symbolizing the unknown and ultimate limits of performance .Given the standard U9 already commands a price tag of around £200,000 , the U9X is expected to cost significantly more, reflecting both its exclusivity and groundbreaking technology.Conclusion: A New Era of SpeedWith its 496.22 kmph (308.4 mph) run, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme has redefined what’s possible in the world of automotive performance . It is not just the fastest production car—it is also a statement about the future of mobility: sustainable, electric, and uncompromisingly fast .From China’s BYD to the global stage, the U9X has proven that the world’s fastest car is no longer petrol-powered . The electric age of hypercars is here, and it is faster than ever imagined.