YANGWANG U9 Track Edition Shatters World EV Top-Speed Record with a Stunning 472.41 km/h Run
27th August 2025, Kathmandu
In a monumental achievement that has sent shockwaves through the global automotive industry, the YANGWANG U9 Track Edition has officially become the fastest electric vehicle on the planet.
YANGWANG U9 speed record
At the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg test track in Germany, the cutting-edge supercar achieved a verified top speed of 472.41 km/h (293.54 mph), setting a new world record and cementing its place in the annals of automotive history.
This extraordinary feat, accomplished on August 8, 2025, was not merely about brute force but a testament to relentless innovation and engineering excellence.
The record-breaking run was piloted by German professional driver Marc Basseng, a veteran of high-speed testing who also set the previous EV speed record in 2024.
“Last year, I thought I’d peaked,” Basseng said, reflecting on his achievement. “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.”
The Technology Under the Hood
The YANGWANG U9 Track Edition is an electrifying showcase of BYD’s technological prowess, building on the foundation of the standard U9 with a series of ground-breaking enhancements.
At its core is BYD’s revolutionary e⁴ Platform, the world’s first mass-produced quad-motor system. This system empowers the U9 with four individual 30,000 rpm high-performance motors, each delivering a peak output of 555 kW, for a combined system output exceeding an astonishing 3,000 PS (2,220 kW).
This immense power translates to an incredible power-to-weight ratio of 1,217 PS per tonne, a figure that rivals the most elite hypercars in the world. But the speed is only half the story.
The vehicle’s stability and control at such extreme velocities are a triumph of engineering. The U9 Track Edition features the DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System, a proprietary suspension technology that allows each wheel’s suspension to be adjusted independently and at a rapid pace—over 100 times per second.
This system, which also enables the car’s signature “bunny hop” in the standard model, actively suppresses pitch and roll, ensuring the tyres maintain optimal contact with the road surface and maximizing grip even during aggressive acceleration and cornering.
Powering this technological marvel is the world’s first mass-produced 1200V ultra-high-voltage platform, a system built to handle the immense energy loads required for sustained high-speed performance.
To reduce drag and achieve its ultimate top speed, the Track Edition was modified for the record run, notably with the removal of its large rear wing.
Furthermore, to manage the extreme demands placed on the tyres, YANGWANG partnered with Giti Tire to develop a new track-focused semi-slick tyre with an optimized compound and bespoke tread design. This collaboration ensured the vehicle’s stability and durability at speeds that would push conventional tyres to their limits.
Redefining the Future of Performance
The U9’s achievement pushes the boundaries of what is possible for electric vehicles, surpassing the previous record of 412 km/h set by the Rimac Nevera and the prior record of 438.7 km/h held by the Aspark SP600.
While the record was set by a specially enhanced Track Edition, the core technologies—the e⁴ Platform and the DiSus-X system—are already at the heart of the standard YANGWANG U9, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge innovation to the consumer market.
This isn’t just a win for BYD; it’s a win for the entire new energy vehicle industry. The YANGWANG U9 Track Edition proves that electric powertrains are not only capable of matching internal combustion engines in performance but are poised to surpass them in a number of key areas.
As the industry continues to advance, a new era of high-speed performance, stability, and safety is dawning, with companies like BYD at the forefront.
You can now watch the YANGWANG U9 Track Edition test vehicle’s record-breaking full run and witness the future of performance firsthand.
For more: YANGWANG U9 speed record
