BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme hypercar crashes during high-speed testing

The BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme, a high-performance electric hypercar, was involved in a severe crash during high-speed testing on a closed circuit in China. Video footage released by the manufacturer shows the vehicle losing control and striking a barrier at high speed, an impact so violent that the rear axle assembly was torn away from the car.

Despite the extensive damage to the bodywork, the vehicle’s carbon-fiber passenger cell remained largely intact. The test driver reportedly walked away from the wreckage without serious injuries and was able to exit the vehicle without assistance. There were no immediate reports of a battery fire following the collision.

The U9 Xtreme is a limited-edition model featuring four electric motors producing approximately 2,977 horsepower. The crash occurred as the manufacturer prepares for an upcoming attempt to break the 500 km/h speed barrier. The vehicle previously set an unofficial record of 496.22 km/h at the Papenburg test track in Germany.