BYD Breaks Bugatti’s Speed Record: The World’s Fastest Car Hits 496.22 Km/h
When it comes to the title of “the fastest car on Earth,” Bugatti has long been a household name. But now, the crown has shifted. Chinese automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) has stunned the automotive world with its Yangwang U9 Xtreme hypercar, which recently achieved a record-breaking speed of 496.22 km/h, surpassing the legendary Bugatti Chiron Super Sport’s 490 km/h record.
This historic run, conducted in Germany, has reshaped not only speed records but also how the world views electric performance cars. Professional driver Marc Basseng, who tested the U9 Xtreme, praised its engineering brilliance and stability even at breakneck speeds.
Breaking the Speed Barrier with Electric Power
What makes this achievement stand out is that the Yangwang U9 Xtreme is fully electric. Unlike traditional hypercars that rely on fuel-hungry engines, BYD’s masterpiece is powered by four electric motors delivering 2,959 bhp, paired with advanced suspension systems and semi-slick tires.
This combination allowed the car to maintain remarkable stability at 496 km/h, which many experts believed was nearly impossible for an electric vehicle (EV). The milestone showcases how far EV technology has come — and how quickly it’s evolving.
If Bugatti once defined the pinnacle of automotive engineering, BYD is now showing the world that the future of speed could very well be electric.
What This Means for the Supercar World
For years, luxury and performance enthusiasts have debated whether electric cars could match or even surpass traditional hypercars. BYD’s new record settles that debate — at least for now.
With this breakthrough, automakers around the globe may be forced to rethink their strategies. Could electric hypercars eventually dominate the industry? Early signs point to yes.
Interestingly, this milestone also reflects China’s growing dominance in the EV market, which has already seen massive growth in brands like Tesla, NIO, and XPeng. You can check more about global EV trends on Bloomberg.
At Prime Curators, we’ve also been covering the rapid changes in the automobile industry, including innovations in electric cars and the rise of sustainable transport. This new BYD record fits right into that global shift.
More Than Just Speed
While the headlines are dominated by numbers, this achievement is more than just bragging rights. It symbolizes a technological leap for the entire industry.
- For consumers, it’s a glimpse into the high-performance potential of EVs beyond efficiency and sustainability.
- For engineers and automakers, it’s proof that the limits of speed, safety, and innovation are still being redefined.
- For the planet, it’s another push toward cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable automotive solutions.
The BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme is not just fast — it’s a statement: the future of hypercars will be powered by electricity.
