The Yangwang U9 has firmly established itself as a performance powerhouse, leaving no doubt about its capabilities.
BYD’s electric supercar recently surpassed 240 mph during testing, solidifying its reputation as the third fastest electric vehicle (EV) globally. This milestone, reported by CarScoops, is a significant achievement, confirming that the U9 is no mere luxury vehicle but a serious contender in the supercar market.
Earlier this year, when BYD unveiled its luxury brand Yangwang and its first supercar, the announcement raised some eyebrows. With established names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren dominating the supercar world, many questioned whether there was space for another player. While conventional wisdom might have suggested otherwise, the performance claims made by Yangwang were compelling enough to spark interest. It now seems that the company may have even underplayed the U9’s capabilities, especially considering its powerful quad-motor system.
Upon its initial reveal, the U9 was touted to have a top speed of 192 mph, which was already impressive, placing it among the fastest EVs. However, after further testing, this figure was revised upward by 41 mph to a peak speed of 233 mph by summer. Fast forward to November, and the U9 has exceeded all expectations, clocking in at an astonishing 243.54 mph during a test run on November 7. This performance not only reaffirmed its position as the third fastest EV globally but also enhanced it, surpassing the Pininfarina Battista (which tops out at 222 mph) and positioning itself behind only the Aspark Owl (273 mph) and Rimac Nevera (258 mph).
Despite this remarkable top speed, the U9’s potential may not be fully tapped yet. The car was also recently tested at the Nürburgring, a track famous for its grueling tests of both car and driver. The U9 completed the 12.9-mile Nordschleife loop, known as “The Green Hell,” in 7 minutes and 17.9 seconds. While this is an admirable time, especially for an electric vehicle, it falls short compared to the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, which completed the same lap in 7 minutes and 7.55 seconds earlier this year.
Additionally, the U9’s time was slower than that of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra prototype, a Chinese electric vehicle that completed the Nürburgring lap in 6 minutes, 48.87 seconds last month. This would have been a new EV lap record if the run had been officially recognized. As it stands, the current record still belongs to the Rimac Nevera, which set a time of 7 minutes and 5.30 seconds last year. Xiaomi plans to make an official run for the record with a production version of the SU7 Ultra next year.
While the Yangwang U9 may not have set new records at the Nürburgring, its performance on the road is undeniable. With a top speed that places it firmly in the upper echelons of electric supercars, the U9 is clearly a force to be reckoned with. Its combination of raw power and cutting-edge electric technology gives it a unique position in the market, making it one of the most exciting developments in the electric vehicle world today.
As more testing is done and the U9 continues to evolve, there’s no telling how much more performance it can unlock. The supercar’s blend of luxury, speed, and electric innovation makes it an important player in the future of the automotive industry, and it will be exciting to see where Yangwang takes it next.
