BYD's $3 Million Yangwang U9 Xtreme Electric Supercar Becomes Beijing Auto Show's Priciest Vehicle

Key facts

• Yangwang U9 Xtreme sold for over 20 million yuan ($3 million) at Beijing Auto Show.
• Only 30 units of the supercar are available globally.
• It produces 2,977 hp (2,220 kW) from four electric motors on a 1,200V platform.
• Top speed of 496.22 km/h (308 mph) makes it the fastest production car.
• Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of 6:59.157 is fastest for an EV production vehicle.
• Standard Yangwang U9 starts at 1.8 million yuan ($265,000) in China.
• BYD's luxury sub-brand Yangwang focuses on performance and advanced tech.

A Record Sale at the Beijing Auto Show

BYD's Yangwang U9 Xtreme, a 3,000 hp electric supercar, sold for nearly $3 million at the Beijing Auto Show, making it the event's highest-priced vehicle. The sale underscores BYD's aggressive push into ultra-luxury electric vehicles, far beyond its reputation for affordable models like the $10,000 Seagull. Li Yunfei, general manager of BYD's branding and public relations, confirmed the price exceeded 20 million yuan per unit.

Limited Production, Extreme Performance

Only 30 units of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme are slated for sale globally, a number that challenges the label of 'production vehicle.' Built on a 1,200V architecture with four electric motors, the supercar delivers a combined 2,977 hp (2,220 kW). In September, it became the fastest production car in history, reaching a top speed of 496.22 km/h (308 mph).

Nürburgring Record and Technological Prowess

Weeks after its speed record, BYD announced the Yangwang U9 Xtreme conquered the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 6:59.157, the fastest lap ever for an electric production vehicle. The car features BYD's DiSus-X intelligent body control system, enabling it to 'dance,' jump, and drive on three wheels. These capabilities highlight the advanced engineering behind the Yangwang brand.

BYD's Luxury Sub-Brand Strategy

Beyond its core Dynasty and Ocean series, BYD operates luxury sub-brands including Denza, Yangwang, and Fang Cheng Bao. Yangwang is the most expensive, focusing on performance and cutting-edge technology. The U9 Xtreme's price tag of nearly $3 million dwarfs the standard Yangwang U9, which starts at 1.8 million yuan ($265,000) in China.

Implications for the EV Market

The sale signals BYD's ambition to compete in the hypercar segment, traditionally dominated by combustion-engine marques. With a limited run of 30 units, the U9 Xtreme is as much a statement of engineering capability as a commercial product. It positions BYD as a contender in both mass-market and ultra-luxury electric vehicles.

What Comes Next

While the U9 Xtreme is a halo model, BYD continues to expand its luxury lineup. The company's ability to produce a 3,000 hp electric supercar at a $3 million price point may influence future offerings from rivals. The global allocation of just 30 units ensures exclusivity, but it also raises questions about scalability and production viability.

The bottom line

• BYD's Yangwang U9 Xtreme sold for over 20 million yuan ($3 million) at the Beijing Auto Show, the event's highest price.
• Only 30 units exist globally, making it an ultra-exclusive model.
• It produces 2,977 hp and holds records for top speed (496.22 km/h) and Nürburgring lap time (6:59.157).
• The car is built on a 1,200V platform with four electric motors and features DiSus-X intelligent body control.
• BYD's luxury sub-brand Yangwang targets the high-performance segment, distinct from its affordable models.
• The sale underscores BYD's expansion into ultra-luxury EVs, challenging traditional hypercar makers.