BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme: A High-Speed Marvel Heads to Brazil

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 thrilling announcement for car enthusiasts and motorsport aficionados, Brazilian racing driver Leo Sanchez is set to become the sole owner of the BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme in Brazil. This exclusive vehicle, officially recognized as the fastest production car on Earth, underscores the growing influence and innovation of the electric vehicle market.
BYD, a leading name in electric vehicles, has unveiled the Yangwang U9 Xtreme, a car that sets new benchmarks in speed and performance. Officially launched on September 20, 2025, the U9 Xtreme is a limited production vehicle with only 30 units available worldwide. This exceptional creation combines cutting-edge technology with a focus on high performance, making it a coveted item for car collectors and enthusiasts alike. The vehicle's entry into the Brazilian market is particularly significant, marking a milestone in the country's automotive landscape. Leo Sanchez, a renowned figure in Brazilian motorsport, will hold the exclusive title of owning the country's only U9 Xtreme. This decision by BYD to allocate just one unit to Brazil was influenced by Sanchez’s illustrious racing career and his affinity for the Yangwang brand.
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme is not just about speed; it's a marvel of engineering and design. Built on BYD's 1200V high-voltage architecture, the car boasts the e4 all-wheel-drive system and the advanced Yunnian-X intelligent body control technology. These features, combined with a track-oriented version of the Blade battery, enable the U9 Xtreme to deliver unparalleled performance. The car's power comes from four electric motors, each capable of 555 kW, resulting in a staggering total output of 2,220 kW, or nearly 3,000 horsepower. This power, coupled with a power-to-weight ratio of 1,217 hp per ton, allows the U9 Xtreme to achieve extraordinary feats on the track.
The U9 Xtreme's prowess on the track is further evidenced by its record-breaking performances. In August 2025, a prototype of the U9 Xtreme set a new global top-speed record for electric vehicles, reaching an astounding 496.22 km/h. This achievement was followed by a historic lap time of 6:59.157 at Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife, making it the first electric production car to complete the circuit in under seven minutes. These milestones highlight the U9 Xtreme's capabilities and BYD's commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance.
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme is more than just a car; it is a symbol of innovation in the electric vehicle industry. Its development under BYD's luxury performance sub-brand indicates a strategic move towards capturing the high-performance segment of the market. The car's advanced features, such as the dual-layer cooling system and custom GitiSport e·Gtr2 Pro semi-slick tyres, are designed to enhance track performance, making it a formidable competitor on any racing circuit. These enhancements not only improve the vehicle's thermal efficiency by 133% but also ensure optimal braking and handling, crucial for high-speed racing.
As Leo Sanchez prepares to receive the U9 Xtreme, the anticipation surrounding this vehicle continues to grow. For BYD, the introduction of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme into the Brazilian market represents more than just a sale; it is a statement about the future of high-performance electric vehicles. As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, the U9 Xtreme stands as a testament to what is possible when innovation meets ambition. This vehicle not only sets new standards in speed but also challenges the automotive industry to rethink the capabilities of electric vehicles.

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.