BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme sets 503 kmph electric production car record

The BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme has recorded a one-way speed of 503.17 kmph, the first production car to pass 500 kmph. Racing driver Marc Basseng drove the electric hypercar on a closed road in Abu Dhabi on 1 November 2026. Guinness World Records has certified two records from the run.

The FIA recognised the result, which beat the car's earlier best of 496.22 kmph. That figure was set in Germany in September 2025. An FIA official examined the data, and the speed was independently checked using a calibrated VBOX system.

The attempt was made on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road in the Al Dhafra region. Officials in the area shut off a 10 km stretch of the E11 highway. A 7 km straight was used for the high-speed runs. Engineers checked the road surface for small wire fragments left by sweeping brushes.

The first two attempts on 31 October reached a top speed of 490 kmph. Engineers then raised the rear wing angle to add downforce on the rear axle. They also changed the suspension rebound settings and adjusted the tyre pressures. Battery and motor temperatures were given extra attention before the 1 November runs. The first run that day showed better stability and tyre performance. The second run produced the 503.17 kmph figure.

The U9 Xtreme is powered by four separate electric motors, each working on its own. The record is a one-way speed. The attempt did not record the two-way average that some other production car speed protocols require, so the result does not meet that standard.

The record is a headline result rather than a change to the car on sale. No price or availability for the U9 Xtreme in India has been given, and no date has been set for its arrival in Indian showrooms.

It is not yet known whether BYD plans further runs or a two-way attempt.