The BYD Yangwang U9 Track Edition: A New Era in EV Performance

Just weeks ago, on August 8, 2025, the BYD Yangwang U9 Track Edition shattered the world record for the fastest electric production car, achieving a staggering top speed of 472.41 km/h (293.54 mph) 1 2 3. This monumental feat was accomplished at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg test track in Germany 2 4. German professional driver Marc Basseng, who previously set a global EV speed record in 2024, was behind the wheel for this record-breaking run 2 4.

cdn.motor1.com

Unprecedented Power and Engineering

Quad-Motor Powertrain

The Yangwang U9 Track Edition is an engineering marvel, boasting a quad-motor system that delivers a colossal combined output exceeding 3,000 horsepower, specifically noted as 2,960 hp or 2,976 bhp 1 3 6. Each of the four high-performance electric motors generates 555kW (744hp) and spins at an impressive 30,000rpm 2 4. This immense power translates into an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 1,217 PS per tonne, positioning it among the top tier of the global automotive industry 2 3. The hypercar is built upon the world’s first mass-produced 1200V ultra-high-voltage vehicle platform, featuring a thermal-management system meticulously optimized for extreme conditions 2 4.

Advanced Control Systems and Components

The U9 Track Edition leverages BYD's innovative e⁴ Platform and DiSus-X core technical architecture 2. Its quad-motor independent torque-vectoring system continuously monitors road feedback, adjusting each wheel’s torque at an ultra-high frequency exceeding 100 times per second to maintain absolute control over body posture and prevent wheel slip 2 6. The DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System further enhances stability by performing rapid, independent vertical adjustments to the suspension at each corner during aggressive maneuvers or on uneven surfaces, actively optimizing the contact patch between the tires and the road to maximize grip 2 4.

To support its extreme performance, Yangwang collaborated with Giti Tire to develop track-focused semi-slick tires, featuring optimized compound materials and a bespoke tread design. An innovative knurling treatment at the wheel-rim interface, combined with high-viscosity lubricant, minimizes relative slippage between the tire and the rim during hard acceleration or braking, enhancing predictability and stability 2 6. For its record-breaking attempt, the vehicle included an enhanced, optional carbon-fiber front splitter and appeared to have its large fixed rear wing removed to reduce drag. Additionally, black tape was applied over some panel gaps for marginal aerodynamic improvements 2 3.

media.drive.com.au

Redefining the Supercar Landscape

Outperforming Rivals

The Yangwang U9 Track Edition's record significantly surpasses previous EV speed benchmarks. It has eclipsed the Rimac Nevera's 431.45 km/h (268.2 mph) and the Aspark Owl's 438.7 km/h, the latter also set by Marc Basseng in 2024 3 4 6. The standard Yangwang U9 model had previously achieved a top speed of 391.94 km/h (243.54 mph) in 2024 3 4. While it doesn't surpass the absolute record held by some internal combustion engine (ICE) hypercars, such as the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ at 490.48 km/h, the U9 Track Edition's performance is remarkably close, especially considering the relatively short straight available at the Papenburg test track 3 4 5. Reports indicate the car appeared to still be accelerating when it ran out of track, suggesting further untapped potential 3 5.

Market Impact and Future Outlook

Yangwang, a high-end sub-brand of BYD, is making a clear statement about China's capabilities in the elite world of hypercar manufacturing 2 5. The standard Yangwang U9 is priced around $230,000 (1.68 million yuan) in China. While pricing for the Track Edition has not been announced, it is expected to be considerably more expensive than the standard model, yet still significantly less than rivals like the $2.5 million Rimac Nevera R 3 5. This achievement highlights BYD's commitment to innovation and sustainability, demonstrating that cutting-edge technology can deliver unmatched performance, safety, and driving experience in electric vehicles 2 3. It solidifies China's position not just as a volume leader in EVs, but also as a formidable force in high-performance automotive engineering 3 5.