BYD U9 Xtreme: EV reaches 496.22 km/h, setting a new performance benchmark.
Top Gear praised the BYD U9 Xtreme for its top speed of 496.22 km/h; its 1200V platform, four 30,000 rpm motors, and specially developed Giti tires are capable of speeds up to 500 km/h.
According to Top Gear, the BYD U9 Xtreme electric car reached a top speed of 496.22 km/h and was hailed as the "moment of the year." The magazine stated that this achievement has made internal combustion engine models seem "insignificant." The event, announced on November 26th, highlights the performance advancements of electric vehicles.
A top speed of 496.22 km/h: a milestone for high-performance EVs.
The figure of 496.22 km/h confirms the top speed capability of the U9 Xtreme, as recorded by Top Gear. Editor Jack Rix said: “The U9 Xtreme broke the record at Nürburgring, Germany, and set a new standard for the global automotive industry. BYD has proven that electrification is the inevitable direction for performance evolution.” This statement places the U9 Xtreme at the center of discussion about EV performance.
1200V power platform and four-motor drive system.
The U9 Xtreme is equipped with a 1200V ultra-high voltage platform, touted as the world's first for mass-produced electric vehicles. The high-performance four-motor configuration boasts speeds up to 30,000 rpm, delivering a total output exceeding 3000 horsepower. This combination is geared towards delivering high power and responsiveness at high speeds, supporting the vehicle's claimed top speed.
The Yisifang + Yunlian-X technology architecture, similar to the U9 model, is applied and expanded upon in the U9 Xtreme. Building on this platform, BYD states that it has created a "posture control" feature geared towards racing situations, focusing on optimizing body stability when operating at its limits.
Restructured cooling, upgraded brakes for high-speed operation.
The U9 Xtreme's cooling system has been completely redesigned to meet the demands of continuous high-power operation. This is coupled with an upgraded braking system, focused on heat resistance and durability for track use or high-speed runs. These two components are crucial for maintaining repeatable performance and safe control.
Tires developed exclusively with Giti: capable of speeds up to 500 km/h.
BYD has partnered with Giti to develop a best-selling tire capable of reaching speeds of up to 500 km/h. This specialized tire is key to vehicle stability and handling at extremely high speeds, while also completing the performance ecosystem offered by the powertrain and chassis.
Official statements
Top Gear described this as “the moment of the year” for electric cars. Jack Rix shared: “The U9 Xtreme broke the record at Nürburgring, Germany, and set a new standard for the global automotive industry. BYD has proven that electrification is the inevitable path for performance evolution.”
On BYD's side, Ms. Li Ke, Deputy Managing Director, emphasized that the success of the U9 Xtreme is the result of the dedication of 120,000 research and development engineers, reflecting a commitment to innovation to redefine electric performance.
Technical specifications are published.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| The maximum speed is announced. | 496.22 km/h |
| Electric platform | Ultra-high voltage 1200V (for mass-produced electric vehicles) |
| Dynamic configuration | Four high-performance motors |
| Motor rotation speed | Maximum 30,000 rpm |
| Total capacity | Exceeding 3,000 horsepower |
| Control architecture | Yisifang + Yunlian-X, features "posture control" for racing. |
| Cooling system | Complete restructuring |
| Braking system | Significant upgrade |
| Tires | In collaboration with Giti, this tire is selling fast; capable of speeds up to 500 km/h. |
| Release date | November 26 (according to Top Gear) |
Market perspective
The top speed of 496.22 km/h, along with the accompanying technological ecosystem (1200V platform, four motors, posture control, specialized tires), demonstrates a direction that pushes the bar for electric vehicle performance. According to Top Gear, this is a symbolic moment marking a shift in performance standards within the industry.
Conclude
The BYD U9 Xtreme, according to published information, combines a super-high voltage electric platform with a four-motor powertrain, upgraded cooling and braking systems, and specially developed tires to achieve a top speed of 496.22 km/h. Statements from Top Gear and BYD representatives mark a milestone in EV performance ambitions, while also highlighting the role of technological innovation in the race to set new standards.
