Revolutionizing Electric Vehicle Speed Performance
Yangwang, BYD’s premium sub-brand, which recently set a new global EV top-speed record. On August 8, 2025, the Yangwang U9 Track Edition reached an astonishing speed of 472.41 km/h at Germany’s ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track, establishing itself as the world’s fastest electric vehicle. This milestone not only highlights breakthroughs in powertrain technology but also exemplifies the growing capabilities and applications of electric vehicles in both daily use and high-speed environments.
Cutting-Edge Architecture and Powertrain Excellence
The Yangwang U9 Track Edition is a marvel of engineering built on the sophisticated e4 Platform and DiSus-X core technical architecture, regarded as some of the most advanced in the automotive field today. Central to its design is the world’s first mass-produced 1200V ultra-high-voltage vehicle platform, which supports extreme performance under intense conditions. This high-voltage system enables higher efficiency and power delivery, essential for achieving record-breaking speeds.
The Track Edition boasts a quad-motor system with each electric motor spinning at an incredible 30,000rpm. It produces a peak power output of 555 kW per motor. Combined, these four motors generate more than 3,000 PS (metric horsepower), granting it a stunning power-to-weight ratio of 1,217 PS per tonne. This output places the Yangwang U9 among the most powerful and efficient electric supercars worldwide. The performance gains reflect substantial progress in electric propulsion systems, demonstrating how EVs can rival and surpass traditional combustion engine supercars.
Precision Control with Torque Vectoring and Intelligent Suspension
Breaking speed records demands more than just raw power—it requires unmatched control and stability at very high velocities. To this end, the e4 Platform integrates an advanced quad-motor independent torque-vectoring system. This system smartly monitors road conditions and adjusts torque distribution to each wheel over 100 times per second, preventing wheel slip and ensuring maximum traction. Such rapid responsiveness keeps the vehicle stable, even on demanding racetrack conditions.
Complementing this is the DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System. It actively and independently manages the vertical suspension at each corner, adapting to aggressive acceleration, cornering, or uneven surfaces. This system minimizes pitch and roll, enhancing both driver comfort and vehicle control. By optimizing tire-road contact through continuous suspension adjustments, the U9 Track Edition achieves exceptional grip and stability, crucial for safety and performance during ultra-high-speed driving.
Aerodynamics and Tire Technology Designed for Extreme Speed
Aerodynamics play an essential role in achieving and sustaining such high speeds. The Yangwang U9 Track Edition retains the aerodynamic profile of the standard Yangwang U9. It is enhanced with an optional carbon-fiber front splitter. This splitter, developed and validated through mass production and scientific testing, helps reduce drag and increase downforce—a balance critical for maintaining high-speed stability.
Moreover, Yangwang worked closely with Giti Tire to develop a special semi-slick tire specifically tailored for track use. These tires incorporate optimized compound materials and tread patterns for maximum grip and durability under extreme conditions. An innovative knurling treatment at the wheel-rim interface, combined with a high-viscosity lubricant, reduces slippage between the tire and rim during hard maneuvers. It also cuts down torque loss and tire wear while enhancing predictability and handling precision.
The Human Element and the Future of Sustainable Supercars
The record-setting run was piloted by seasoned German professional Marc Basseng. Who also held the previous EV speed record in 2024. Basseng expressed amazement at how new technology enabled him to surpass his own record within a year. He highlights the rapid innovation within the EV industry. His experience underscores the synergy between human skill and technological advancement in pushing the limits of electric vehicle performance.
The Yangwang U9 Track Edition represents a major step forward in redefining the electric supercar as more than just a sustainable alternative. It is a statement of power, safety, and technological sophistication. Backed by BYD’s commitment to innovation and eco-friendly mobility, this achievement positions Yangwang as a leader in the high-performance EV market and a symbol of the future for electric sports and supercars.
