Yangwang U9X accident. BYD electric hypercar destroyed during speed test
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme, abbreviated as U9X, was involved in an accident during a speed record attempt. It is the same electric hypercar from Yangwang, a subsidiary of BYD, which reached 496.22 km/h on the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany. This incident involves the vehicle that BYD presents as its technological pinnacle and the most powerful version of the U9 model.
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The U9X previously achieved 496.22 km/h on the ATP Papenburg track in Germany
The German driver Marc Basseng was behind the wheel during the record attempt
The result was not included in the official records for production cars because the run was conducted in only one direction
The car utilizes a 1200 V high-voltage platform, the e⁴ platform, and the DiSusX body control system
Yangwang U9 Xtreme accident – what is known
The information about the accident was provided by the American automotive website CarBuzz. Reports indicate that the incident occurred during a high-speed test. Detailed circumstances, such as the sequence of events, the driver’s condition, or the extent of damage to the vehicle, should be verified through official statements from BYD and the Yangwang brand. Until such statements are released, it is not advisable to draw far-reaching conclusions about the cause.
Tests at speeds of around 400-500 km/h are one of the most demanding tests a car can undergo. At the limits of what’s possible, tires, aerodynamics, suspension, and electronics all work simultaneously. This is precisely why manufacturers conduct such tests on closed test tracks with comprehensive technical support and safety measures.
Record of 496.22 km/h at the Papenburg Track
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme made its official debut on September 14, 2025, as a track-specific version of the U9 model and is currently the most powerful production version of this car. On the oval ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany, the U9X reached a speed of 496.22 km/h, or 308.33 mph.
According to Giti Tire, the tire supplier for the record-breaking drive, the speed was 23.81 km/h higher than that achieved during the August test. Driving the vehicle was Marc Basseng, a German driver specializing in track driving. Giti’s engineers were present to ensure the tires were in optimal condition. The tire manufacturer emphasizes that creating a tire capable of keeping the car on the road at such speeds was one of the key challenges of the entire project.
Why the U9X record isn’t official
Although BYD promoted the result as a world speed record for a production car, not everyone considers it official. As Wikipedia notes, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme was excluded from the list of records for production cars. The reason is formal: the drive took place in only one direction.
Guinness World Records requirements state that the car must complete the test distance in both directions within one hour. The official result is the average of the two trips. This procedure is designed to eliminate the influence of wind and any slope in the track, which could artificially inflate the speed achieved. Technically speaking, 496.22 km/h remains an impressive achievement for an electric car.
Technology: 1200 V, e⁴ platform, and DiSusX
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme is built on technologies that BYD has been developing for years in its most expensive models. A key component is the 1200 V ultra-high voltage platform. Higher system voltage allows for the transmission of large power at lower current levels, reducing losses and wire heating – which is crucial for a hypercar.
The other component is the e⁴ platform, which is a powertrain with four electric motors, one for each wheel. This allows independent control of torque at each wheel. The system is complemented by DiSusX, an intelligent body control system that actively manages the vehicle’s suspension and stability, even at extreme speeds.
The name Xtreme comes from the English word “extreme.” The manufacturer describes the car on its website as a vehicle “born to explore the limits of absolute speed.”
U9X at the Beijing Auto Show 2026
The hypercar did not disappear from public view after setting the record. According to reports from the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, the unveiling of the U9X was one of the most talked-about moments of the exhibition, with BYD showcasing the vehicle in the context of its intended production. For the Chinese company, this is a crucial step in building a premium brand image and positioning itself as a manufacturer capable of competing with European brands in the supercar segment.
What the accident means for BYD and electric hypercars
The accident during testing does not negate the achievements of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme, but it highlights how thin the line of safety is at speeds approaching 500 km/h. For BYD, providing a thorough explanation of the incident’s circumstances will be key. It depends on this explanation how the entire program, designed to demonstrate that the Chinese manufacturer can build the fastest electric cars in the world, will be perceived.
Regardless of further developments, the U9X remains proof of how rapidly electric drive technology is advancing. Just a few years ago, speeds close to 500 km/h were associated only with high-revving combustion engines. Today, a vehicle equipped with batteries and four electric motors can achieve this speed, though—as reported by CarBuzz—testing such machines still involves real risks.
Maciej Gis