When it comes to electric supercars, we’ve heard some big talk from automakers over the years. But BYD just pulled a fast one—literally. The YangWang U9, a sleek machine from BYD’s high-end YangWang sub-brand, recently clocked an incredible 391.94 km/h, or 243 mph, without racing gimmicks or track-only features.
This wasn’t a prototype with promises or special equipment; it was a production-ready vehicle with street-legal tires, showing BYD’s serious commitment to reimagining electric performance.
Real Speed, Real Data
The significance of this top-speed feat isn’t just in the numbers; it’s in what they represent. For years, supercar top-speed stats have felt a bit like high-end diving watches: impressive but impractical for most. BYD’s accomplishment is different—it’s about using real-world data to continue advancing the U9’s design.
While most U9 drivers won’t be hitting 243 mph on the road, this figure showcases BYD’s engineering prowess, giving buyers confidence that they’re getting a high-performance EV that genuinely delivers.
From 192 mph to 243 mph – An Unexpected Leap
Initially, BYD unveiled the U9 with a promised top speed of 309 km/h, or about 192 mph. Jumping from that to 243 mph isn’t just a tweak; it’s an exponential leap through aerodynamics and engineering. This wasn’t a mere error in projection—it’s a full-fledged demonstration of BYD’s philosophy of “underpromise and overdeliver.”
Unlike some brands that stretch numbers in presentations, BYD lets its cars speak for themselves. They didn’t stage flashy visuals or rely on hype but instead achieved something real, letting data and performance make the statement.
Unpacking the U9’s Power and Agility
Under the hood—or rather, under the sleek exterior—the YangWang U9 is packed with advanced technology. The U9’s e4 platform hosts four independent electric motors, producing a staggering 1,300 horsepower and 1,680 Nm of torque.
Each wheel has individual motor control, which enhances traction, agility, and stability. With this much power, the U9 launches from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 2.36 seconds, leaving even some of the best combustion supercars in the dust.
Equipped with an 80 kWh Blade battery, the U9 benefits from BYD’s proprietary battery technology that combines safety, durability, and fast charging capabilities. With its 800V architecture, the U9 can go from 30% to 80% charge in just 10 minutes and supports dual charging, allowing two charging plugs to be used simultaneously.
This is no minor convenience for supercar owners accustomed to slow charge times; it’s a significant leap that positions the U9 as a true driver’s car, ready to hit the road more quickly after every charge. The 80 kWh battery offers a CLTC-rated range of up to 465 km (around 290 miles), balancing exceptional performance with everyday usability.
BYD DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System
The U9 also stands out with BYD’s proprietary DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System. This technology provides maximum suspension travel of up to 75 mm and an impressive peak single-axis lifting speed of 500 mm/s, allowing the U9 to manage over a ton of instantaneous lifting force.
This level of control translates to seamless handling across diverse scenarios, whether it’s high-speed braking, cornering, or navigating city streets. Adding to its playful side, the DiSus-X allows the U9 to “dance” to music—a feature that, while whimsical, showcases the engineering precision and flexibility of the system.
Beneath its hardcore supercar personality, the U9 is engineered to excel in both performance and adaptability.
Designed for Speed and Comfort
Despite its curb weight of 2,475 kg (5,456 pounds), the U9 maintains agility and speed through intelligent design choices. Its Super Carbon-Fiber Cabin structure utilizes high-strength carbon fiber with BYD’s next-generation Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology. This construction results in a remarkable torsional stiffness of 54,425 Nm/deg, ensuring durability and responsiveness.
The roof, capable of withstanding compressive forces exceeding 11 tons, further exemplifies the U9’s commitment to safety and strength.
The U9 also features 12 sets of active and passive aerodynamic packages to reduce drag and improve heat dissipation. The rear spoiler, for example, provides a downforce of up to 280 kg, keeping the car stable even at extreme speeds. These aerodynamic advancements ensure that the U9 is not only capable of high speeds but remains planted and controlled, regardless of the driving conditions.
The U9 Cockpit: A Balance of Luxury and Tech
Inside, the U9 balances raw power with refined luxury. Its DiLink150 Intelligent Platform, powered by a custom-built 4nm 5G chip, equips the U9 with an intelligent racing assistant that can display track-specific data across nearly 30 racetracks in China. This capability makes it an ideal choice for drivers who want precision feedback and data-rich control.
Comfort is not sacrificed in the name of performance, as evidenced by two 14-way adjustable seats that allow for optimal positioning on both long drives and high-speed sprints.
The Dynaudio Evidence Series sound system immerses passengers in top-quality audio, while the cockpit is equipped with three LCD screens—a 10.25-inch driver display, a 10.25-inch passenger screen, and a larger 12.3-inch central control screen.
This layout ensures that all performance data and controls are easy to access, making the driving experience as intuitive as it is thrilling.
A New Benchmark in Electric Supercars
At 243 mph, BYD’s YangWang U9 doesn’t just match European supercar performance; it challenges it head-on and, in some cases, surpasses it.
With a price tag of around $236,000 (1.68 million RMB), the U9 positions itself as an accessible high-end electric supercar, bringing luxury and unmatched speed at nearly half the price of its European rivals. And with BYD’s proven manufacturing speed, this isn’t a car you’ll be waiting a decade to drive—deliveries have already begun.
BYD’s Vision for the Future
The YangWang U9 represents just one part of BYD’s ambition to redefine Chinese automobiles on a global scale. With additional YangWang models on the horizon and their commitment to continuous innovation, BYD isn’t just joining the luxury EV market—they’re aiming to lead it.
For every driver looking for performance and reliability, the U9 is more than just a car; it’s a glimpse into a new era where electric supercars blend high performance with practicality.
Charge Complete
The YangWang U9 has set a new standard for what an electric supercar can be, showing that Chinese automakers can not only compete with established brands but also deliver a driving experience with real data and real speed to back it up.
Whether BYD chooses to push the U9 even further remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: they’ve left the door open for more breakthroughs in speed, power, and reliability, and the U9 is just the start.
