BYD has once again pushed the boundaries of electric performance, with its Yangwang U9 engineering prototype clocking an astonishing 472.41km/h, setting a new world record for an electric vehicle.
The achievement not only cements the U9 as China’s fastest car but also elevates it into the exclusive realm of the world’s top hypercars. This latest milestone follows its earlier success last November, when the U9 became the fastest car in China by registering 391.94km/h during a speed trial. The new figure represents a staggering 20.53% leap in performance.
At its peak velocity, the Yangwang U9 is now just a breath away from the world’s most celebrated combustion-engine hypercars. To put it into perspective, the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut has a maximum speed of 531km/h, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ touches 490km/h, and the SSC Tuatara is recognised at 474.8km/h. The U9, an electric contender, is edging dangerously close to these long-revered giants of speed.
What makes the story even more compelling is the cost comparison. Hypercars in this league traditionally carry eye-watering price tags, often starting above 10 million yuan (around RM6.5 million) and reaching as high as 30 million yuan (around RM19.6 million). In contrast, the Yangwang U9, though still a premium offering, is far more attainable by hypercar standards. Priced at 1.68 million yuan (around RM1.1 million), it delivers hypercar performance at a fraction of the usual cost.
This accomplishment underscores BYD’s determination to rewrite the rules of high-performance motoring and showcases the rapid advancements in electric vehicle technology. With the Yangwang U9, the gap between electric innovation and combustion-engine dominance has never been narrower.
