Chinese automaker BYD on Saturday unveiled its high-performance electric hypercar, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme (U9X), in Zhengzhou City of central China's Henan Province, marking the model's global debut.

Positioned as a track-special edition under BYD's high-end brand of Yangwang introduced in 2023, the U9X stunned spectators with freshly released performance milestones achieved in Germany, including a record-breaking top speed of 496.22 km/h at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg test track and a competitive lap time at the Nurburgring Nordschleife.

"During the test, we achieved a record-breaking speed of 496 km/h, surpassing the previous record held by an internal combustion car. We are very proud that in addition to its outstanding top speed, it also performed excellently on the lap time. We achieved a lap time of 6 minutes and 59 seconds during our first session at the Nurburgring Nordschleife," said Hu Xiaoqing, general manager of the sales department at Yangwang.

Built on the world's first mass-production and full-domain ultra-high-voltage platform, the U9X is equipped with BYD's innovative technological architecture, track-grade battery and motors, and is able to deliver a total output of over 3,000 horsepower.

"We have made comprehensive improvements to its three-electric system, the lightweighting of the vehicle's body, including the whole tires and aerodynamics. For example, the U9 has 1,300 horsepower, while the U9X has 3,000 horsepower, which is a massive leap. The car's body incorporates the world's first 3D-printed aluminum alloy components, and its braking system has also been significantly enhanced," said Yang Feng, director of Yangwang Automotive Research Institute.