September 2025 marks a historic moment in the automotive world. The Yangwang U9, an all-electric beast from BYD’s luxury brand, has become the fastest production car ever built. It dethroned the legendary Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ with a verified top speed of 308.4 mph.
The record was set by experienced racer Marc Basseng, who had already made headlines a month earlier by breaking the EV top speed record in the same car. After pushing the U9 Xtreme to its limit, he admitted that achieving such performance with a traditional combustion engine would have been nearly impossible. Electric motors, with their instant torque and smooth power delivery, allowed him to stay completely focused on the track.
What Makes the U9 Special?
Unlike Yangwang’s earlier U8 SUV, the U9 is a pure supercar built for performance. Power comes from an advanced quad-motor system, with one motor driving each wheel. This layout gives the car precise control, sharper handling, and enormous stability even at extreme speeds.
The results are staggering. The U9 accelerates from 0–62 mph in 2.36 seconds and clears a quarter mile in just 9.78 seconds. Numbers like these put it in the same league as some of the most exclusive hypercars in history — except this one is fully electric.
Energy comes from 80 kWh Blade batteries developed by BYD. On paper, that doesn’t sound huge, but the car balances it out with an 800V charging setup capable of ultra-fast 500 kW charging speeds. That means less time at charging stations and more time on the road or track.
The Suspension That Can Dance and Jump
Perhaps the most fascinating feature of the U9 is its suspension system, called the DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System. Instead of simply adjusting stiffness, this system can raise or lower the car by 75mm.
It’s not just a gimmick. It helps counteract body roll, improves stability under braking, and can even help the car hop over potholes. For showmanship, the system can also make the U9 “dance” to music — a party trick that ensures this supercar stands out even when it’s standing still.
Bold Styling with Purpose
From the outside, the U9 is every bit the dramatic supercar. The scissor doors, sharp stance, and slim LED headlights give it an aggressive front profile. The rear is even more eye-catching, with a huge diffuser, a prominent wing, and carbon fibre details. In total, the car integrates twelve aerodynamic elements, some of which actively adjust to reduce drag and cool the batteries.
Inside, the cabin strikes a balance between futuristic and functional. Leather and Alcantara dominate the materials, highlighted by subtle ambient lighting. At the centre sits a large vertical touchscreen, supported by physical buttons and a rotary dial for those who prefer a more tactile feel.
The Record-Breaking U9 Xtreme
The version that shattered the world record is the U9 Xtreme, the most powerful model in the lineup. Each wheel gets an upgraded motor producing 744 bhp, resulting in a combined output of nearly 3,000 bhp.
This variant is equipped with semi-slick tyres for maximum grip and a carbon fibre front splitter for better aerodynamics. Interestingly, the rear wing was removed during the record attempt to reduce drag and unlock the highest possible speed.
For Marc Basseng, driving the U9 Xtreme was another milestone in a career filled with speed records. He previously broke the EV speed record in 2024 but admitted he never expected to surpass it so soon.
Also Read: Porsche Launches New EV with Wireless Charging Feature
Final Thoughts
The Yangwang U9 is more than just a fast car. It represents a shift in what electric vehicles are capable of. With almost 3,000 bhp, a suspension system that can literally jump, and a verified top speed of over 308 mph, it pushes the boundaries of engineering and imagination.
For anyone who still doubted electric supercars, the U9 is the clearest proof yet that the future of speed doesn’t need gasoline — it needs innovation.
