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BYD’s Yangwang U9 Xtreme recorded a top speed of 503.17 kph (312.6 mph) on a closed road in Abu Dhabi on November 1. The FIA and Guinness World Records recognized the single-direction run as production-car and electric-production-car speed records; the one-way format differs from the two-direction method often used for record attempts.
BYD’s Yangwang U9 Xtreme reached 503.17 kph (312.6 mph) on a closed road in Abu Dhabi on November 1, a speed that the FIA and Guinness World Records recognized as a production-car record and an electric-production-car record. The run made the limited-production electric hypercar the first production car to exceed 500 kph (310.7 mph), according to the report by InsideEVs.
The attempt took place on an approximately 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) stretch of the E11 in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region, which was closed to public traffic. German racing driver Marc Basseng, who also drove the car during its previous record attempt, made four runs over two days. The official top speed was recorded on the final run, using a Racelogic data recorder.
The first two runs, on October 31, reached a maximum of 490 kph (304.4 mph). Engineers then adjusted the car’s aerodynamics, suspension settings and tire pressures, the report said. On the final run the next day, the car reached 503.17 kph. Guinness World Records lists the result for the highest speed achieved by a production car and by an electric production car in a single-direction run; the FIA also confirmed the achievement on its website, according to InsideEVs.
BYD plans to build just 30 U9 Xtreme cars. The model is powered by four electric motors producing a combined 2,977 horsepower and uses a 1,200-volt lithium iron phosphate battery pack. The source also identifies semi-slick GitiSport e-GTR2 Pro tires and carbon-ceramic brakes with titanium calipers as part of the car’s equipment.
A New Benchmark for Electric Speed
The result puts an electric car above the 500-kph threshold in a production-car record attempt recognized by two governing organizations. It gives BYD a high-profile performance milestone beyond the company’s larger presence in the electric-vehicle market and places the U9 Xtreme in direct comparison with elite hypercars from established manufacturers.
The achievement also highlights the engineering demands of very high speed: power alone is not enough. BYD’s team made changes to aerodynamics, suspension and tire pressures between runs, while the car’s tires and braking components were part of the setup described in the report. The record is a measured result for this specific car and test, not evidence that ordinary electric vehicles can reach similar speeds or that the model is broadly available.
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From 496.22 to 503.17 Kph
The November attempt followed an earlier U9 Xtreme run in September 2025, when the car reached 496.22 kph (308.3 mph), according to InsideEVs. BYD had set a goal of breaking 500 kph, and the later Abu Dhabi run passed that mark. The new result is reported as a record for a production car, although the planned production run is limited to 30 vehicles.
The record format matters. The latest attempt was made in one direction. The source notes that speed records are often pursued with runs in opposite directions to account for factors such as wind and elevation. Guinness World Records’ recognition specifies a single-direction run, so the result should be understood in that stated category rather than assumed to use a two-way averaging method.
“The Yangwang U9 Xtreme holds records for the highest speed achieved by a production car and an electric production car in a single-direction run.”
— Guinness World Records, as described by InsideEVs
How the One-Way Result Compares
The confirmed record described in the source is for a single-direction run. It does not report an opposite-direction run or an average of two runs, a method often used to reduce the effects of wind and elevation. The source says rival manufacturers such as Rimac, Bugatti and Koenigsegg could question the format, but it does not report that any company has formally challenged the record.
Other details are also not provided, including the precise weather and wind conditions, the full measurement protocol used by each record organization, and when the planned 30-car production run will be completed. Recognition of this test result does not by itself establish how the car would perform under different conditions or in other record formats.
Record Challenges and Limited Production
The next developments to watch are any formal challenge or response from other hypercar makers and whether additional details emerge about the record organizations’ procedures. The available report does not identify a scheduled review, challenge deadline or further speed attempt.
BYD’s stated plan is to produce 30 U9 Xtreme units. The source gives no delivery schedule, pricing or broader availability details. Until the company or record organizations provide more information, the 503.17-kph result remains the recognized single-direction record described in the report.
Key Questions
How fast did the Yangwang U9 Xtreme go?
It reached 503.17 kph (312.6 mph) on its final run in Abu Dhabi on November 1, according to InsideEVs.
Who recognized the speed record?
The report says Guinness World Records recognized the production-car and electric-production-car records for a single-direction run, and that the FIA confirmed the achievement on its website.
Was the record set over two directions?
No. The reported record was set in a single direction. The source notes that many record attempts use runs in both directions to account for wind and elevation, but it does not describe a two-way average for this attempt.
How many Yangwang U9 Xtreme cars will BYD make?
BYD plans to build 30 units, according to the source. It does not provide a production or delivery schedule.
Source: insideevs.com
