Yangwang U9 claims 293.54-mph EV top-speed run at Germany’s Papenburg track

Yangwang U9 breaks new world record

On August 8, 2025, the Yangwang U9 Track Edition reached 293.54 mph (472.41 km/h) at the Automotive Testing Papenburg proving ground in Germany. BYD says the single-direction run surpasses previously reported EV top-speed marks for production-based cars.

The U9’s run showed that electric power competes with and beats gasoline supercars. Going almost 300 mph proved that battery cars are no longer a slower option; they are now leaders in speed and performance.

Why this record matters so much

For years, people thought electric cars were only good for saving gas, not for setting records. Gasoline cars like Bugatti once ruled the speed world, while EVs focused on efficiency and range.

The Yangwang U9 changed that story forever. Its record shows electric cars can be thrilling, powerful, and capable of breaking barriers. This achievement is a turning point, showing the world that the fastest cars of the future will be electric.

Four motors make huge power

The U9 has four separate motors, one for each wheel. Together, the four motors deliver about 3,000 hp (2,220 kW total), comfortably beyond modern F1 output.

Each motor can work alone or with the others. This means the car can control every wheel separately, giving it perfect grip. The setup also lets the U9 push out instant torque, which is why it launches and accelerates so quickly.

Motors spin faster than eyes blink

Each motor can spin up to 30,000 times per minute. An independent torque-vectoring system adjusts power distribution within milliseconds to keep the car composed.

This system is called torque vectoring. It lets the U9 stay balanced while turning straight or at high speeds. Without this intelligent control, the car could easily lose grip, but the U9 stays steady and safe with it.

Suspension keeps the car steady

Going this fast requires more than power. The U9 uses a DiSus-X system, which adjusts each wheel’s suspension. This stops the car from bouncing or leaning when racing near 300 mph.

The system helps all four tires stay tight on the road, even during bumps or sharp turns. It makes the ride smoother and keeps the car safe, because losing balance at such high speeds would be dangerous.

Tires designed for record runs

For the high-speed attempt, the U9 ran on custom Giti semi-slick tires engineered for sustained ultra-high-speed operation at ATP Papenburg.

At nearly 300 mph, regular tires would explode or melt. These custom tires ensured the U9 had the grip and strength needed to keep racing forward, holding together long enough to set the world record safely.

Beating past speed kings

Previously, Aspark’s Owl SP600 recorded 272.6 mph (a Guinness prototype EV title), while Rimac’s Nevera R achieved 268.2 mph, both now eclipsed by the U9’s claimed run. Both were considered unbeatable champions in the EV world.

The Yangwang U9 didn’t just slip past them; it blew past with 293.54 mph. That giant leap showed Yangwang wasn’t simply joining the race, but jumping far ahead of the competition and setting a new global standard for electric speed.

Track, driver, and battery power

The run took place at ATP Papenburg with professional driver Marc Basseng; BYD quoted him as saying he hadn’t expected to beat his prior mark so quickly.

Power comes from an 80-kWh LFP pack; BYD has cited 500-kW DC capability, enabling roughly 30–80% in 10 minutes. That high-voltage system gave the motors enough energy to reach almost 300 mph without losing power.

Earlier speed runs before the record

The Track Edition wasn’t Yangwang’s first step into high speed. In 2024, the regular U9 reached 233 miles per hour, faster than most gasoline supercars.

Later that year, it climbed higher to 244 mph during another test. The car also went to the Nürburgring, a famous German track known for testing the best cars. There, it finished a lap in 7 minutes 17.9 seconds, proving the U9 was about top speed and racing skill.

Design and early production story

The U9 was created by Wolfgang Egger, a designer who once worked at Lamborghini and Audi. He aimed to mix futuristic looks with smooth, aerodynamic shapes that cut through the air at extreme speeds.

The car first appeared to the public in 2023, went on sale in February 2024, and began full production in August 2024. By the time the Track Edition appeared in 2025, the U9 had already proven its place in supercar history.

The Yangwang U7 luxury sedan

After the U9, Yangwang focused on comfort and style with the U7 sedan, released in 2025. This car differed from the U9 because it was designed for families and long-distance travel instead of racing.

The U7 still offered supercar-like numbers with more than 1,200 horsepower and advanced safety technology. It also used four-wheel steering and sensors like LiDAR, showing that Yangwang was serious about combining luxury, power, and cutting-edge technology in one vehicle.

U7’s range and smooth performance

The U7 came with a 135-kilowatt-hour battery, letting it travel almost 500 miles before charging again. This long range made it one of the most efficient electric luxury sedans of its time.

It also used a special suspension called DiSus-Z, which relied on magnets to smooth the ride. With a drag number of only 0.195, the car sliced through the air like an arrow. This made it quiet, stable, and energy-saving all at once.

The U9’s bouncing party trick

Even before the Track Edition, the regular U9 caught attention with a wild feature; its suspension could make the car jump. Videos showed the U9 lifting its wheels off the ground like it bounced on springs.

While it looked fun, the feature had a purpose. It lets the car handle bumps, potholes, or sudden shifts in the road by quickly adjusting. This “jumping trick” showed how advanced Yangwang’s suspension was compared to traditional supercars.

Yangwang’s creation as a brand

Yangwang began in 2022 as BYD’s high-performance luxury brand. BYD already made affordable electric cars, but Yangwang was different. It was made to show the world that Chinese companies could also create ultra-fast, high-end supercars.

“Yangwang” means “looking up” in Chinese, signaling a goal to reach the auto world’s top. The brand was meant to compete with legends like Bugatti, Ferrari, and Lamborghini using electric power from the start.

BYD’s rise to global power

BYD, the parent of Yangwang, started in the 1990s as a battery company before moving into cars. Today, it’s one of the world’s largest electric vehicle makers, with sales in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

With Yangwang, BYD wanted to show it wasn’t only about everyday cars. It could also challenge the most powerful car brands on Earth. The U9’s record-breaking run proved that BYD could push technology to the top.

Curious how a battery maker climbed into the global spotlight? Read more about BYD’s rise to No. 91 on the Fortune Global 500 list.

Record marks a new beginning

The U9s’ record in August 2025 was more than just a victory for Yangwang. It was a signal that the future of speed belongs to electric power, not gasoline. The world’s fastest machines no longer need engines that burn fuel.

With the U9 and U7, Yangwang showed it could create both extreme performance and practical luxury. The record was not the end of Yangwang’s story; it was the start of a new chapter in supercar history.

Wondering if drivers are shifting back to fuel power? Find out if our gas trucks are gaining ground as EV adoption slows.

Can electric cars outpace gas supercars? Drop your thoughts!

Read More From This Brand:

• BYD Yangwang U7 achieves world-leading drag coefficient
• BYD Yangwang U9 Becomes the 3rd Fastest Electric Car
• BYD’s luxury brand Yangwang to launch in Europe in 2026

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.