YANGWANG U9X, with a speed record of 496.22km/h, claims the top spot on the global car speed rankings.

[PCauto] BYD's high-end brand Yangwang has officially announced that the Yangwang U9 Xtreme (U9X) has achieved a top speed of 496.22 km/h, successfully claiming the top spot on the global car speed leaderboard.

This test was conducted at Germany's ATP test track, with the U9X surpassing the previous 490 km/h record held by the fossil-fuel supercar Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, becoming the first mass-produced electric supercar to achieve this milestone under unrestricted conditions.

The U9X's top speed is powered by its ultra-high-power propulsion system

The U9X's breakthrough is not limited to its top speed alone. Its initial test results at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany, known as the "Green Hell," are equally remarkable—a lap time of 6 minutes 59.157 seconds, making it the first Chinese mass-produced supercar to break the 7-minute barrier.

This means that the U9X surpasses traditional fuel-powered supercars in both "absolute speed" and "comprehensive track performance" dimensions.

In the era of fuel-powered cars, the top speed and lap times of supercars were often determined by engine power, aerodynamic design, and chassis tuning. However, the introduction of an electrified platform has redefined the performance boundaries for the U9X.

Its core technological breakthroughs are primarily reflected in the revolutionary upgrade of its power system.

Equipped with the world's first mass-produced 1200V ultra-high voltage platform, it ​​significantly improves efficiency​​ compared to mainstream 800V platforms, providing a more efficient energy transfer channel for the motors. Four high-performance motors working in coordination, each with a rotational speed of 30,000 rpm, output a combined power exceeding 3000Ps, with a power-to-weight ratio of 1217 Ps/t (horsepower/ton). This number far surpasses the average level of traditional fuel-powered supercars (typically between 600-1000 Ps/t).

To support such high power output, the U9X's track-grade Blade Battery adopts a ​​lithium iron phosphate (LFP)​​ solution. Through optimizing internal cell resistance and a dual-layer cooling structure, it achieves an industry-leading ultra-high discharge rate of 30C, ensuring the motors receive consistent and stable power output even under extreme working conditions. Meanwhile, ​​the cooling system's power has been increased by 133%​​, addressing the heating issue during high-power output.

Tire technology is another secret weapon behind U9X's record-breaking performance

The GitiSport e·GTR²ᴾᴿᴼ semi-slick tires, co-developed by BYD and Giti, utilize aramid fiber material at bulletproof-vest grade, achieving a strength that surpasses the 500km/h speed barrier. The asymmetric tread design balances grip and water drainage, providing sufficient ground adhesion for ultra-high G-force cornering.

The cooling, braking, and chassis systems have been further optimized

In addition to the breakthroughs in the power system and tires, the U9X cooling system has reconstructed its three-dimensional architecture, adopting a high-flow oil pump to increase overall cooling power by 133%. Even when the motor operates at an extreme speed of 30,000 rpm, it can maintain optimal working temperature.

The braking system is equipped with titanium alloy carbon-ceramic brake discs. The perforated and slotted design enhances heat dissipation and friction efficiency, and the titanium alloy calipers reduce unsprung mass to some extent. This not only avoids the risk of brake fluid boiling but also achieved zero fade during the continuous braking test on the Nürburgring's 177 corners.

Moreover, the U9X introduces “body posture control” on the track for the first time. Based on the e4Architecture+Yunnian-X technology framework, the vehicle can dynamically adjust the torque of all four wheels and the suspension height, actively suppressing body roll during high-speed cornering.

This "active control" capability allows the driver to maintain precise control of the vehicle under extreme conditions, rather than relying on traditional passive mechanical tuning.

In the past, electric supercars were often labeled as "having fast acceleration but insufficient top speed" and "strong performance but lacking track genes." However, U9X's nearly 500 km/h top speed, Nürburgring lap time of under 7 minutes, as well as technologies such as its all-domain 1200V platform and 30C discharge battery, have demonstrated the advantages of electrification platforms in efficiency, sustainability, and intelligent control. This breakthrough not only accelerates the global automotive industry's transition to electrification but also redefines supercar performance standards.