World’s Fastest BYD Hypercar Crashes at High Speed During Testing in China

BYD's Yangwang U9 Xtreme, an electric hypercar priced at roughly $3 million, suffered extensive damage in a high-speed crash during testing in China on November 2. Footage revealed the U9 Xtreme straying from its designated path on a closed track before colliding with a barrier, resulting in the rear axle separating entirely. Remarkably, the driver managed to escape the vehicle without serious injury.

The central passenger area remained largely intact, and there were no reports of a battery fire following the accident. While the official purpose of the test run remains undisclosed, speculation suggests BYD was aiming to surpass the 500 km/h barrier. The speed at the time of the crash has also not been confirmed, rendering claims of a new world record premature.

BYD had previously announced a subsequent top-speed attempt for November 2026, with Dubai as the potential location, though exact details remain unconfirmed as of late October. The U9 Xtreme had already set a speed record of 496.22 km/h (308.3 mph) at Automotive Testing Papenburg in Germany, placing it at the pinnacle of global automotive speed rankings.

The hypercar boasts four electric motors delivering a total of 2,977 horsepower and features high-performance tires, carbon-ceramic brakes, and an aerodynamic design tailored for extreme speeds. With production limited to 30 units, the U9 Xtreme commands a valuation of approximately $3 million. The impact of the crash on BYD's planned attempt to exceed 500 km/h remains uncertain, as the automaker has not yet released an updated schedule or confirmed the accident's cause.