A BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme crashed during testing on a closed circuit in China on November 2, 2026, after reportedly veering off course at high speed and hitting a barrier. Images and video shared in China showed severe damage, with the rear axle and wheel assembly detached from the car. Reports said the driver got out without injury. It has not been confirmed whether the run was an attempt to reach the car’s top speed.
The U9 Xtreme is an all-wheel-drive electric hypercar with four motors and a 1,200-volt electrical architecture using silicon-carbide technology. Its combined output is 2,977 hp, and its power-to-weight ratio is stated at 1,200 hp per tonne. The 80-kWh battery is rated for 30C discharge, intended to supply high power for short periods. The car is also fitted with 20-inch wheels, GitiSport e·Gtr2 Pro semi-slick tires and a dedicated aerodynamic package with a large rear wing.
The model previously recorded a top speed of 496.22 km/h at the Automotive Testing Papenburg facility in Germany. BYD vice president Stella Li and Yangwang sales general manager Hu Xiaoqing have said the company plans to test the car in the UAE in November 2026, aiming to exceed 500 km/h. It is not yet known whether the China crash will affect that schedule; the cause of the accident has not been officially confirmed.