BYD plans 500 km/h speed attempt for Yangwang U9 Xtreme in Dubai

BYD is preparing a high-speed attempt to push its Yangwang U9 Xtreme electric hypercar past the 500 km/h milestone. Executive Vice President Stella Li has identified Dubai as the potential location for the test, which is tentatively planned for November 2026.

The manufacturer is seeking a straight stretch of road approximately 15 kilometers in length and intends to coordinate with local authorities to secure the necessary permissions and safety measures. Factors such as road surface quality, wind conditions, and braking distance are critical for the success of the run.

The Yangwang U9 Xtreme previously recorded a top speed of 496.22 km/h on September 14, 2025, at the Automotive Testing Papenburg facility in Germany, driven by Marc Basseng. This performance placed the vehicle within 3.78 km/h of the 500 km/h target. The hypercar is powered by four electric motors delivering a combined 2,220 kW (approximately 2,977 hp).