BYD reports 503.17 km/h for the Yangwang U9 Xtreme in Abu Dhabi. Understand the single-direction record, road measurements and unconfirmed UAE availability.
Key Takeaways
- The BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme set a new production car speed record at 312.66 mph (503.17 km/h) in Abu Dhabi, securing two Guinness World Records.
- BYD describes a 10 km closed road section with a longest straight of 7 km; those are different measurements.
- Its quad-motor powertrain generates 2,978 hp, and advanced systems manage the performance requirements during the record run.
- The record measures peak speed in a single-direction run, differentiating it from traditional two-way average speed records.
- BYD plans a limited run of 30 cars. Its record announcement does not establish a UAE retail price, local allocation or delivery date.
BYD reports that the Yangwang U9 Xtreme reached 503.17 km/h (312.66 mph) on 1 November 2026 on the closed E11 in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region. Its official account identifies two Guinness single-direction production-car records and FIA recognition. This is that record category, not a two-way average-speed result.
A New Benchmark in Al Dhafra
The location was the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road in Al Dhafra. BYD describes 10 km of closed road, but the longest straight available for the run was 7 km. The total closure length should not be read as a 10 km uninterrupted acceleration straight.
With veteran sports-car and endurance racer Marc Basseng behind the wheel, the electric hypercar became the first production vehicle to surpass the 500 km/h threshold. The speed of 312.66 mph (503.17 km/h) successfully broke the vehicle’s own previous record of 308.34 mph (496.22 km/h), which was set 13 months earlier at the ATP Automotive Testing facility in Papenburg, Germany.
The performance was verified using a calibrated VBOX measurement system, with an F.I.A. representative reviewing the data to provide written confirmation as part of the official verification process. The run earned the Yangwang U9 Xtreme two Guinness World Records: “Highest Speed achieved by a Production Car in a single-direction run” and “Highest Speed achieved by an Electric Production Car in a single-direction run.”
The Engineering Behind 503 km/h
The extreme velocity of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme is driven by a sophisticated quad-motor powertrain architecture. Unlike traditional setups, this system places a distinct electric motor at each of the four wheels. This configuration produces a combined 2,978 hp (3,019 PS) and 2,478 ft-lbs of torque.
Beyond raw power, the vehicle relies on a 1,200-volt electrical architecture, advanced torque-vectoring systems, and specialised high-performance tyres to manage the immense physical demands of the run. The success of the attempt in the Al Dhafra desert also depended on the car’s battery and thermal-management technology, which supported the extreme performance requirements during the sprint.
Understanding the Record: Single-Direction vs. Two-Way Average
It is important to distinguish this achievement from traditional land speed records. While many speed records are determined by a two-way average—where a vehicle must travel in opposite directions to account for wind and gradients—this specific Guinness World Record measures the peak speed achieved in a single-direction run. This distinction allows the Yangwang U9 Xtreme to claim the title of the fastest production car under this specific testing format.
Exclusivity and Availability
BYD describes a limited production run of 30 cars, with initial customer production contracts being agreed. That does not mean all 30 have already been built or that a UAE allocation is available. The announcement does not provide a UAE retail quote, so an overseas price should not be treated as a local offer.
For a UAE purchase enquiry, establish the exact model and allocation with an authorised seller, then obtain a written price, delivery terms, registration requirements and warranty coverage. A speed record is not proof of local road registration or retail availability. We have not verified a UAE order channel or a requirement to travel to China to buy the car.
