► Yangwang U9 is an electric hypercar
► Track Edition produces 2959bhp
► Faster than a Rimac Nevera R
The Yangwang U9 supercar has set a new top speed record for electric cars. The flagship model of BYD’s high-end sub-brand, the Yangwang U9 has already shot to some notoriety with its trick suspension system. Now the U9 Track Edition is knocking on the door of hypercar royalty, having just hit an astonishing 294mph.
But then, it does boast a ludicrous 2,959bhp. Enough to see racing driver Marc Basseng comfortably eclipse the 268mph top speed achieved by the Rimac Nevera R in July 2025 at the same ATP test track in Germany.
The U9 is a pure-electric supercar, and a far sleeker offering than the Yangwang U8 we drove at Goodwood in 2024. The big Defender-like electric 4×4 features a mere 1,282bhp and has to make to do with topping-out at 192mph.
But back to the supercar, and its power comes courtesy of Yangwang’s e4 quad-motor electric drive system – which means each wheel gets its own power unit. Yangwang promises this allows for precise torque vectoring on all four corners, and claims the U9 delivers ‘the ultimate in safety, performance and experience’.
We’ll have to take its word for some of that for now, but the performance part is pretty clear. It devoured the standard quarter mile sprint in 9.78 seconds, and 0-62mph takes just 2.36 seconds.
Energy is stored in 80kWh BYD Blade batteries, which doesn’t sound like much capacity to us, given the potency. However, the U9 also has an 800V dual charging system that can charge at up to 500kW. That’s quite a bit more than even a Porsche Taycan.
Yes, the U9 features fully active suspension, which BYD call the DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System. Rather than just softening or stiffening the suspension it can also adjust vertically by 75mm.
Able to exert extensive control over each wheel, the system will not only counteract pitch, roll and squat, it can also be made to dance around (to music, if you like) and even jump over potholes.
Another highlight is the U9’s carbonfibre-heavy hybrid safety cell which has a Carbon Tube Body structure that delivers exceptional torsional stiffness, even on its roof.
It’s business up front and party at the back. At the front, it has typical supercar characteristics in the form of mad scissor doors, low aggressive stance and slim led headlights. But much like a mullet, the rear is the most striking.
A huge rear wing is teamed with a deep, intricate diffuser and extensive carbonfibre detailing. Twelve aero elements, some of them active, are designed to cut drag and manage heat dissipation from the battery.
Inside, the cockpit blends leather and Alcantara, accented by ambient lighting strips that divide the passenger areas. A long vertical touchscreen runs down the middle, complemented by a few tactile buttons and a rotary dial – a very welcome mix of digital and physical controls.
Now for the hardcore version, simply named the U9 Track Edition. The major difference here is the immense increase in power, with each of the four motors now delivering 744bhp at every wheel, pushing total output up by 1,677bhp to a colossal 2,959bhp.
Furthermore, the track variant gets semi-slick Giti tyres, which reduce torque loss and wear, along with a carbon fibre front splitter for enhanced aero.
As for the record attempt, it marked another milestone for Marc Basseng, who previously set the unofficial global EV speed record in 2024 in an Aspark Owl SP600 . After his record-breaking run in the U9 Track Edition, he said, ‘Last year, I thought I’d peaked. I never expected to break my own record so soon — but here we are, at the same track, with new technologies that have made it possible.’
Amrit Kaur is a staff writer on the Bauer Media Digital Automotive Hub, writing for both CAR and sister site Parkers. After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and spending eight years teaching, she decided to pursue what she always wanted to, and become a motoring journalist. After studying a Master’s in Automotive Journalism she landed her first job with Bauer.
By Amrit Kaur
Staff Writer at CAR and our sister website Parkers. Cheap luxury cars for all, judging by her eBay watchlist
