Chinese BYD Breaks Bugatti’s Top Speed Record with 496.22km/h

By Zaib
Updated On: January 16, 2026 
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Chinese BYD Breaks Bugatti's Top Speed Record with 496.22km/h

The Fastest Car on Earth title has officially changed hands. Chinese automaker BYD has stunned the automotive world by breaking Bugatti’s long-standing speed record. Its flagship electric hypercar, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme, reached an astonishing 496.22 km/h during a verified test in Germany. This achievement beats the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport’s 490 km/h mark and sets a new global milestone in the world’s fastest production car category.


📊 BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme vs Bugatti Chiron Super Sport

FeatureBYD Yangwang U9 XtremeBugatti Chiron Super Sport
Top Speed496.22 km/h490 km/h
Engine TypeFour Electric MotorsQuad-Turbo W16 (Petrol)
Horsepower (bhp)2,959 bhp1,577 bhp
Country of OriginChinaFrance
Test LocationGermanyEhra-Lessien, Germany
DriverMarc BassengAndy Wallace
Tires & SuspensionSemi-slick + AdaptiveMichelin Pilot Sport Cup 2

🏎️ The Breakthrough Moment

The record-setting run was conducted under controlled conditions with professional test driver Marc Basseng behind the wheel. According to Basseng, “The Yangwang U9 Xtreme demonstrates not only blistering speed but also unprecedented electric stability.”

This achievement highlights BYD’s engineering advancements in suspension technology, aerodynamics, and motor power distribution. By deploying four electric motors, the car generates a remarkable 2,959 bhp, ensuring unmatched acceleration and high-speed control.


⚡ Electric Hypercars vs Petrol Giants

For decades, petrol-powered machines like Bugatti and Koenigsegg dominated speed records. With this run, the BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme shows how electric hypercars are reshaping the performance landscape.

Key Advantages of Electric Hypercars:

  • Instant torque delivery ⚡
  • Improved weight distribution 🔧
  • Advanced regenerative systems 🔋
  • Eco-conscious high performance 🌍

This milestone underscores the global rise of electric mobility and signals a shift from petrol dominance to EV-driven innovation in the hypercar world.


🌍 What This Means for the Supercar Market

The title of world’s fastest production car carries immense prestige. Beyond bragging rights, it positions China’s BYD as a true contender against traditional supercar giants. The Yangwang U9 Xtreme not only outpaced Bugatti but also challenged the very idea of what defines a hypercar.

Supercar enthusiasts and industry experts agree that this record may spark a new race, pushing brands like Koenigsegg, Rimac, and Bugatti to develop even more extreme models.


📌 FAQ Section

What is the fastest car on Earth in 2025? The Fastest Car on Earth is the BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme, which hit 496.22 km/h in Germany.
Did BYD really beat Bugatti? Yes. BYD’s hypercar broke Bugatti’s 490 km/h record, setting a new benchmark for production cars.
How powerful is the BYD Yangwang U9? The car features four electric motors producing nearly 2,959 bhp.
Who drove the car during the test? Professional test driver Marc Basseng piloted the BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme during the speed run.
Is the fastest car now electric? Yes, the world’s fastest production car is fully electric, showcasing the power of EV engineering.

📣 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

The Fastest Car on Earth, the BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme, has set a new benchmark with 496.22 km/h, outpacing the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport. This breakthrough proves that the next era of supercars belongs to electric engineering.

You are witnessing history: a Chinese automaker claiming global recognition by delivering record-breaking performance. With this milestone, the future of hypercars is electric, powerful, and unstoppable.


🔗 External References

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