4 Minutes
A surprise at the top of the EV speed charts
The fastest electric car on the planet right now is probably one you haven't seen in person: the Yangwang U9 Track Edition, a high-performance model developed under BYD's Yangwang sub-brand. Built on the e4 Platform with the DiSus-X architecture, the Track Edition just set a new top-speed world record for zero-emission vehicles — and it did so in emphatic fashion.
Record run and test venue
With professional driver Marc Basseng at the wheel, the Yangwang U9 Track Edition reached an official top speed of 472.41 kph (293.54 mph). The run took place at the Automotive Testing Papenburg circuit in Germany, a venue already famous for high-speed records: last year the Bugatti W16 Mistral hit 453.91 kph (282.05 mph) there, and the Aspark SP600 registered 438.7 kph (272.6 mph) in 2024.
Key specifications
The U9 Track Edition showcases several headline-grabbing technical specs that contributed to its record-breaking performance:
- World’s first mass-produced 1200V ultra-high-voltage platform for passenger EVs.
- Power output: in excess of 3,000 ps — specified as 2,958 bhp (2,206 kW).
- Staggering power-to-weight ratio: 1,217 ps per ton (equivalent to 1,120 hp / 836 kW per 2,205 lbs).
- Quad-motor torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system for extreme traction and control.
- Advanced thermal-management system tuned for demanding high-speed runs and harsh conditions.
Powertrain and platform
Yangwang’s e4 Platform and DiSus-X core architecture underpin the U9 Track Edition. The 1200V electrical architecture allows for faster energy transfer and improved thermal efficiency, which are key for sustained high-speed performance. The quad-motor layout delivers instant torque distribution and precise torque vectoring to maintain stability at speeds approaching 300 mph.
Design and construction
Though built for blistering speed, the U9 retains an exotic, show-car appearance. The Track Edition keeps the U9’s fixed-roof silhouette and dramatic butterfly doors, while its bodywork and aero package have been optimized for high-speed stability. The lightweight construction and meticulous engineering work contribute directly to the vehicle’s elite power-to-weight ratio.
Performance and driving dynamics
Beyond the headline top speed, the U9 Track Edition focuses on controllable, repeatable performance. The quad-motor torque-vectoring system allows for rapid adjustments to individual wheel torque, helping the car stay composed through acceleration and high-speed directional changes. The optimized thermal-management architecture ensures that batteries and power electronics remain in their ideal temperature range during record attempts.
Market positioning and significance
Assembled at BYD’s Guangdong factory in Shenzhen, China, the U9 Track Edition positions Yangwang as a serious contender in the electric hypercar segment. By outpacing established names like Rimac and Aspark, Yangwang signals that vertically integrated EV manufacturers from China are now capable of pushing performance boundaries at the very top of the market. Expect increased competition and rapid technology iteration from rivals trying to reclaim the speed crown.
How it compares to other hypercars
Compared to the Bugatti W16 Mistral, which uses a quad-turbo W16 and produced 1,577 bhp (1,600 ps) to reach 453.91 kph, the Yangwang U9 Track Edition achieves a higher recorded top speed with an all-electric architecture. Even the Aspark SP600 — another EV contender — posted lower peak speed figures at the same track. The U9’s combination of extreme voltage architecture, high total system power, and torque-vectoring control is the key differentiator.
Conclusion
The Yangwang U9 Track Edition is more than a headline — it’s a statement about where EV performance is heading. With a revolutionary 1200V platform, quad-motor drive, and nearly 3,000 ps of power, Yangwang has delivered the fastest production-capable electric vehicle to date. For car enthusiasts and the electric hypercar market, this record raises the bar and promises even fiercer development in the months and years ahead.
Source: autoevolution
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