BYD arrived at the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show with a clear intention: to steal the show. And with the unveiling of the YANGWANG U9 Xtreme, it may have achieved just that. This limited-edition electric hypercar has officially earned the title of the fastest production vehicle on the planet.
Collectible Status and Advanced Technology
The big headline-grabbing number was the top speed of 496.22 km/h (308 mph), achieved thanks to a four-motor setup producing nearly 3,000 horsepower. This is enough performance to outperform even the Bugatti Chiron and gives BYD an unexpected boast from a brand known for its mass-market cars. The company also claimed a lap time of 6:59.157 on the Nürburgring, an astonishing feat for a brand known more for everyday vehicles than track monsters.
The fact that only 30 units of the YANGWANG U9 Xtreme will be produced guarantees its collectible status before the first customer even gets behind the wheel. This also places BYD in a very rare corner of the industry where extreme performance isn’t just a feature, it’s the entire mission.
Inside, the car features a completely overhauled carbon fiber body with BYD’s e⁴ AWD system, an upgraded DiSus-X body control system, and custom aerodynamic components. The large wings, air-extracting hood, and massive rear diffuser aren’t just for show; they help the car remain stable as it approaches 500 km/h.
Braking is provided by titanium alloy calipers and a special carbon-ceramic mass. The semi-slick GitiSport e·GTR2 PRO tires are rated for an incredible 500 km/h, which speaks volumes about BYD’s target performance envelope.
At the heart of all this power lies the new 30C Blade Battery, specifically designed for high-discharge loads. It utilizes a dual-layer cooling system and low-resistance cells capable of delivering massive power instantly—exactly what’s needed for a vehicle where each wheel has its own motor.
The vehicle is expected to cost well below million-dollar hypercars. Judging by the reaction in Guangzhou, BYD has planted a loud flag in the hypercar world that’s hard to ignore.
