BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme Sets Record as Fastest Production EV at Nürburgring

Covers F1, endurance and rally with a fan’s eye and reporter’s detail. Daily: Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce; sim racing on weeknights.
In a significant achievement for China's automotive industry, the BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme has been officially certified as the fastest production electric vehicle at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. This announcement not only marks a milestone for BYD's premium brand, Yangwang, but also highlights China's growing influence in the high-performance supercar market.
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme has set a new benchmark with a certified lap time of 6 minutes 59.157 seconds on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. This feat places it at the top of the production electric vehicle leaderboard, surpassing the previous record by a notable five seconds. The achievement is particularly significant as it marks the first time a production EV has broken the seven-minute barrier on this challenging track. The U9 Xtreme’s record-breaking performance also includes reaching a top speed of 496.22 km/h, making it the fastest production supercar globally. The vehicle's inclusion on the prestigious Nürburgring leaderboard is a testament to Yangwang's engineering prowess and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance.
The certification of the U9 Xtreme was the result of a private track session held on October 10, 2025. Despite the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions and limited opportunities for high-speed laps, the team managed to secure a successful 'flying lap'. This achievement was made even more remarkable considering it was the drivers' first track session in 22 days, following a break since September 18. According to Yangwang executive Hu Xiaoqing, additional laps might have further improved the lap time, suggesting that the vehicle's full potential is yet to be realized. The successful record attempt highlights the extensive work and collaboration between the U9 Xtreme development team, Nürburgring officials, and TÜV Rheinland.
German professional racer Moritz Kranz, who boasts nearly 10,000 laps in his GT racing career, was behind the wheel for this historic lap. His extensive experience at the Nürburgring played a crucial role in navigating the U9 Xtreme through the circuit's demanding terrain. The vehicle itself boasts technical characteristics that set it apart from other supercars on the leaderboard, underlining Yangwang's innovative approach to electric vehicle design and performance. The record-setting lap not only showcases the U9 Xtreme’s capabilities but also exemplifies the competitive edge that Chinese automotive manufacturers are bringing to the international stage.
The inclusion of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme on the Nürburgring leaderboard is a groundbreaking moment for Chinese automotive engineering. As the first Chinese production supercar to achieve this recognition, it underscores China's advancing position in the global high-performance automotive market. Yangwang's announcement also indicates ongoing development and testing efforts to further enhance the U9 Xtreme's track performance. This continued commitment to innovation and excellence positions Yangwang as a formidable competitor among established global supercar brands.
The U9 Xtreme's success at Nürburgring is more than just a record-setting lap; it represents a shift in the automotive industry, where electric vehicles are increasingly demonstrating their capability to compete with traditional combustion engine counterparts. As the electric vehicle sector continues to grow, achievements like those of the U9 Xtreme serve as a powerful statement of the potential that lies in sustainable automotive technology. The recognition of a Chinese brand at such a prestigious venue also reflects the broader trend of innovation coming from China, which is rapidly becoming a leader in the electric vehicle and battery sectors.

About Luca Romano
Covers F1, endurance and rally with a fan’s eye and reporter’s detail. Daily: Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce; sim racing on weeknights.