The Yangwang U9 Xtreme has achieved a new top-speed milestone after reaching 312.65 mph (503.17 km/h) on a public highway in Abu Dhabi. Driven by German racing driver Marc Basseng on November 1, the electric supercar surpassed its previous record of 308.22 mph, becoming the first production car to exceed the 500 km/h mark.
The latest attempt took place on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road (E11), where extensive preparations were required before the car could attempt its record-breaking run.
Yangwang U9 Xtreme Reaches 312.65 MPH in Abu Dhabi
Basseng drove the Yangwang U9 Xtreme to 312.65 mph on November 1, surpassing the 308.22 mph achieved by the same car in Germany last year. The measured speed of 503.17 km/h established a new milestone for a production car.
The attempt required closing a six-mile section of Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road (E11). However, the team could not use the entire distance, as approximately one-third of the eight-lane highway was reserved for stopping.
Preparing the road presented another challenge. Because the highway runs through the desert, crews had to sweep its surface before every high-speed attempt throughout the two-day event.
Every inch of the pavement was subsequently inspected to ensure no debris remained, including small wires that could have come from the brushes used during cleaning.
Suspension and Aerodynamic Adjustments Helped Set the Record
During runs on October 31, Basseng reached 304 mph. Overnight, the team adjusted the rear wing and suspension software to accommodate nearly invisible undulations in the road surface.
Basseng completed two runs on November 1. The first confirmed that the adjustments had worked, while the second delivered the new top speed of 312.65 mph.
Does the Yangwang U9 Xtreme Hold an Official Speed Record?
The record comes with an important qualification. The Yangwang U9 Xtreme received recognition for both the Highest Speed achieved by a Production Car and the Highest Speed achieved by an Electric Production Car.
However, both records were classified as being achieved “in a single-direction run.”
Traditionally, top-speed records require two runs in opposite directions, usually within a short period. The two speeds are then averaged to account for potential advantages from tailwinds or a sloping road surface.
The U9 Xtreme did not complete a return-direction run during its latest attempt, although it was not the only car to achieve a recent speed record without a two-way run.
Yangwang U9 Xtreme Produces 2,978 Horsepower
The U9 Xtreme’s performance comes from an extensively upgraded electric powertrain. While the standard U9 produces 1,269 horsepower, the Xtreme uses enhanced electric motors rated at 744 horsepower each.
With four motors working together, the electric supercar delivers a combined output of 2,978 horsepower.
The vehicle also retains BYD Blade Battery technology and uses a 1,200-volt electrical architecture instead of the more common 800-volt configuration.
Only 30 Yangwang U9 Xtreme Units Planned
Although the company describes the U9 Xtreme as a production car, it plans to manufacture only 30 units.
With its 312.65 mph run in Abu Dhabi, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme has surpassed its previous speed record and established two production-car speed records in single-direction runs.
