Chinese BYD Destroys Bugatti’s Top Speed Record
On September 22, 2025, BYD’s Yangwang U9 Xtreme was confirmed as the world’s fastest production car, exceeding the previous benchmark held by the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport.
The Chiron achieved a record top speed of 490 km/h. During the test, the U9 Xtreme surpassed this figure, reaching 496 km/h in Germany with German test driver Marc Basseng at the wheel.
“This record was only possible because the U9 Xtreme simply has incredible performance. Technically, something like this is not possible with a combustion engine.” said Basseng.
Power and Engineering
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme uses four electric motors, each capable of spinning at 30,000 rpm, combining for an output of 2,959 bhp. For its record-setting run, the car was fitted with updated DiSus-X suspension and semi-slick tires, both tuned specifically for stability beyond 300 mph.
At 2,480 kg kerb weight, the Xtreme is just 5 kg heavier than the standard U9, yet engineered to deliver the performance required to push past the previous world record.
Shift in Supercar Leadership
For years, Bugatti held the speed crown, but the record has now moved to BYD’s electric hypercar. While debates continue over how top speed runs reflect real-world driving, the numbers stand: the Chiron’s dominance has ended.
This milestone highlights rapid progress in EV technology and places BYD at the center of the performance car conversation.