BYD’s Yangwang U9 Xtreme crashed into a guardrail during a high-speed test, sustaining extensive damage while its carbon-fiber passenger compartment remained intact. The driver was not seriously injured, and the automaker later returned to testing, reaching 284.5 mph.
The crash happened during the car’s third run. It had first exceeded 217 mph and then passed 261 mph on its second attempt before losing control while trying to go beyond 280 mph. Footage shared by BYD shows the car hitting the barrier and spinning across the track as debris scattered.
BYD said the driver received a comprehensive medical examination at a hospital and was in good health. The company subsequently resumed testing, with the later run surpassing the speed targeted before the crash.
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme has four electric motors producing nearly 3,000 horsepower, along with a 1,200-volt electrical system and motors capable of reaching 30,000 rpm. In September 2025, the car reached 308.3 mph during testing in Germany, setting a production-car top-speed benchmark, according to the source report.
BYD is preparing another attempt to exceed 310 mph. Dubai was previously identified as the planned location for a record run in November 2026, but the company has not confirmed a final date. Yangwang representative Jiang Gong said the car could go faster still.
Sources: Dexerto.