Chinese electric hypercar sets world speed record in Abu Dhabi
BYD's YANGWANG U9 Xtreme exceeded 500kph during a record-breaking run on a secured highway section.
At a glance
- BYD's YANGWANG U9 Xtreme electric hypercar reached 503.17kph, setting a new world speed record
- The record was set on 1 November 2026 on a secured highway section in Abu Dhabi
- Professional racing driver Marc Basseng piloted the vehicle
- Multiple Abu Dhabi government entities coordinated to facilitate the attempt
Chinese automotive manufacturer BYD set a new world speed record in Abu Dhabi on 1 November 2026, with professional racing driver Marc Basseng reaching 503.17 kilometres per hour in the YANGWANG U9 Xtreme electric hypercar. The record-breaking attempt took place on a specially secured section of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Road in the Al Dhafra Region.
The initiative involved coordination between Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the Integrated Transport Centre and other government authorities. According to Mohamed Ali Al Kamali, Chief of Trade and Industry at ADIO, the achievement demonstrated the combination of industry leadership with local infrastructure and capabilities.
Why it matters
The record demonstrates advances in electric vehicle technology and Abu Dhabi's role as a venue for major automotive achievements.
Original reporting
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