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BYD builds world’s fastest car
The world’s fastest production car is now electric, BYD’s Yangwang U9 Extreme blasting to a Bugatti-beating 308mph
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 22 September 2025 | 0 min read
We hear a lot about ‘China Speed’ when it comes to the incredible pace of development, rush of new models and even arrival of new brands. Well, thanks to BYD we can now put a number on that, too – 308.4mph to be precise. Because that’s how fast the U9 Extreme from BYD’s sub-brand Yangwang has just gone, setting a record for quickest production car in the process. Yes, that means the world’s fastest car is now electric.
To really hammer the point home BYD didn’t achieve this feat at some unknown test track in the middle of China. No, it chose the Papenburg facility in Germany in the heart of the European car industry and a location VW-owned Bugatti has used previously for its own record-breaking efforts with its old-tech combustion-engined cars. Ouch.
To really hammer the point home BYD didn’t achieve this feat at some unknown test track in the middle of China. No, it chose the Papenburg facility in Germany in the heart of the European car industry and a location VW-owned Bugatti has used previously for its own record-breaking efforts with its old-tech combustion-engined cars. Ouch.
With its 308.4mph recorded speed the Yangwang U9 Extreme (or U9X for short) went 3.6mph faster than the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, BYD confirming a limited production run of “no more” than 30 customer cars off the back of the achievement. No cost has yet been confirmed but expect the queue to build nearly as quickly as the number of secondhand Bugatti Chirons being listed on Autotrader!
Inevitably, that top speed isn’t the only big number when it comes to the U9X, which is itself based on the existing U9 already on sale in China where it’s sold under the Yangwang name. Like the Denza luxury sub-brand we’ve already had a taste of , this is part of the larger BYD operation and engineering signatures like its ‘Blade’ battery tech (versions of which is found regular models like the BYD Dolphin ) have helped power the U9X to this record breaking speed. That and four electric motors putting out a combined total of more than 3,000 horsepower.
Inevitably, that top speed isn’t the only big number when it comes to the U9X, which is itself based on the existing U9 already on sale in China where it’s sold under the Yangwang name. Like the Denza luxury sub-brand we’ve already had a taste of , this is part of the larger BYD operation and engineering signatures like its ‘Blade’ battery tech (versions of which is found regular models like the BYD Dolphin ) have helped power the U9X to this record breaking speed. That and four electric motors putting out a combined total of more than 3,000 horsepower.
While 300mph electric cars aren’t of huge relevance to the rest of us BYD’s achievement – and the fact it’s done it in Europe – is hugely symbolic of just how potent China’s car industry has become. And from world records to developing batteries that charge as quickly as filling up a petrol car it goes to show just how quickly BYD is asserting itself, a fact you have demonstrated to us by voting it your Most Loved Brand in our 2025 Drivers’ Choice Awards. Anyone want a bargain Bugatti, meanwhile?
