Yangwang U9 Xtreme’s Speed Record Feat is Topgear.com’s ‘moment of the Year’

The YANGWANG U9 Xtreme’s record-breaking speed run has been recognised as the ‘Moment of the Year’ in the 2026 TopGear.com awards. The hypercar became the fastest production model on the planet when it reached 496.22 km/h at Germany’s ATP Papenburg test track in September– a feat that may be “just the beginning” according to Top Gear.

Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, said: "We are deeply honored that Top Gear has named the U9 Xtreme's world record run as the 'Moment of the Year'. This achievement reflects the unique technology and engineering excellence behind YANGWANG. The U9 Xtreme demonstrates how BYD, as a true technology company, continues to push the boundaries and demonstrate what electric performance can deliver. Every breakthrough is the result of the relentless pursuit of perfection by our more than 120,000 BYD R&D engineers. We will continue to create technologies that redefine what is possible in the era of electric vehicles."

Jack Rix, Top Gear Editor in Chief said: “The U9 Xtreme makes everything with a combustion engine look a bit… weak. And it delivered a mic drop moment in Germany, hitting 308mph (496.22 km/h) and sending shockwaves around the automotive world. We’ve got a feeling beating Bugatti at its own game is just the beginning.”

The U9 Xtreme is an ultra-performance technology showcase from YANGWANG, BYD’s luxury sub-brand. Developed from the established U9 model, it benefits from precision tuning and comprehensive revision of its electric powertrain and chassis. Among the key elements are an increase in the platform’s electric voltage from 800V to 1,200V, four ultra-high-speed electric motors that can operate at up to 30,000rpm and a lithium-ion phosphate Blade Battery with an exceptional 30C discharge rate. The engineering and technology elements combine to deliver more than 3,000hp and a power-to-weight ratio of 1,217hp per tonne – another global record.

For the record-breaking run, the car’s DiSus-X suspension was tuned to handle the exceptional stresses of circuit driving and track-quality semi-slick tyres were fitted. At the wheel was Marc Basseng, one the world’s most experienced track speed specialists with skills honed across many years in sports car and endurance racing.

Just days before the history-making achievement, Basseng piloted the U9 Xtreme to a new record – 472.41km/h – for an electric vehicle. During the car’s intensive development programme, he also lapped the daunting Nürburgring Nordschliefe in 6m59.157sec – shaving more than five seconds off the previous record time in the Electric Super Sports Cars class and becoming the first such car to dip under the seven-minute mark.

The YANGWANG U9 Xtreme is an authentic production model, with a strictly limited run of no more 30 examples being made available to discerning customers worldwide.