Abu Dhabi · Business
BYD’s Yangwang U9 Xtreme sets speed record near Abu Dhabi
Marc Basseng drove BYD's Yangwang U9 Xtreme to a record speed of 503.17 kilometers per hour on a closed section of the Sheik Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road in Abu Dhabi, earning two Guinness World Records and FIA recognition.
BYD’s Yangwang U9 Xtreme sets new speed record in Abu Dhabi. On November 1, Marc Basseng drove the electric hypercar on a closed section of the Sheik Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road, achieving a speed of 503.17 kilometers per hour (312.65 miles per hour). This feat makes the Yangwang U9 Xtreme the first production car to exceed the 500 kilometers per hour mark, earning it two Guinness World Records and official recognition from the FIA.
Record-breaking speed achieved on closed road
Local authorities closed a 10-kilometer stretch of highway in Al Dhafra, allowing the crew to utilize a 7-kilometer portion for the speed test. Prior to the attempt, the team ensured the road was clear of debris and marked it safe for the test. Basseng had previously set a record of 496.22 kilometers per hour at a proving ground in Germany, indicating the vehicle’s readiness for this challenge.
Background on the Yangwang U9 Xtreme
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme is a limited-run electric hypercar produced by BYD. It represents a significant advancement in automotive technology, showcasing the potential of electric vehicles in high-performance categories.
This record-breaking achievement highlights the growing capabilities of electric vehicles and their potential to compete with traditional combustion engines in speed and performance.
