The BYD Yangwang U9 is a 1,300 HP electric hypercar with quad motors, torque vectoring, 0–62 mph in 2.36 seconds, 243 mph top speed, and a unique DiSus-X suspension that enables vertical jumps. It features a 100 kWh Blade battery and charges to 80% in under 10 minutes.

If you think EVs are just silent sedans and eco-friendly hatchbacks, meet the BYD Yangwang U9—a Chinese-built, electric hypercar with a hubless punch and 360-degree tank turns. With 960 kW (1,287 hp) and 1,680 Nm of torque, this thing doesn’t just scoot—it launches, dances, and even hops like it’s auditioning for the circus circuit.

Built to disrupt the hypercar elite, the U9 combines speed, AI-driven control, and wild mechanical antics into one jaw-dropping, carbon-wrapped package priced at $233,500 (about €219,000). Yes, a tenth of what you’d pay for a Rimac Nevera or Pininfarina Battista—and with a Nürburgring lap time to match.

Four Motors, Four Brains: The e4 Platform with Torque Tricks

Under the carbon shell, BYD’s e4 platform brings a quad-motor setup—one electric motor per wheel. This gives the U9 full torque vectoring control, allowing each wheel to respond independently for unmatched handling. It's like giving each corner of the car its own brain, calculating and reacting faster than most sports cars can blink.

The result? The U9 doesn’t just corner—it pivots. Literally. It can do tank turns in place, making a 2.5-ton electric machine spin like a ballerina strapped to a rocket. And yes, it does it with style, control, and no tire-shredding drama.

Performance: Numbers That Challenge the Big Boys

Let’s get serious. 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 2.36 seconds. Quarter-mile in 9.78 seconds. Top speed? A blistering 391.94 km/h (243.5 mph). That’s Bugatti territory at BYD prices. The Nürburgring lap time of 7:17.9 puts it ahead of many six-figure gas-powered giants.

All that speed doesn’t come with compromise either. Thanks to a 100 kWh LFP Blade Battery and an 800V system, the U9 can handle hard laps and recharge from 30% to 80% in under 10 minutes with its dual 500 kW charging capability.

DiSus-X Suspension: EVs Can Jump Now?

Yes, the Yangwang U9 jumps. Thanks to its DiSus-X suspension system—a trio of DiSus-C (damping), DiSus-A (air lift), and DiSus-P (hydraulics)—each wheel gets 75 mm of vertical travel. That allows for “three-wheel drive mode” up to 120 km/h (74.5 mph), vertical hops, and the infamous “dance mode” that’s equal parts absurd and brilliant.

While the suspension theatrics are fun, they’re not just gimmicks. They enhance traction, performance, and adaptability at high speed. On twisty mountain roads or closed circuits, that means you get real benefits beyond just drawing a crowd at Cars & Coffee.

Blade Battery and Charging Speed: Fast, Safe, and Cool

Battery tech often makes or breaks an EV, and BYD’s 100 kWh LFP Blade Battery delivers on every front. Using lithium iron phosphate chemistry, it’s less prone to thermal runaway, safer under stress, and supported by an advanced liquid cooling system.

The dual 500 kW charging setup means less waiting and more driving—30% to 80% in 9–10 minutes. That’s barely enough time to stretch your legs or refill your coffee. And with a 450 km (280-mile) range on the CLTC cycle, it offers just enough juice for track days and city flexing.

Futuristic Design With Functional Aero

From butterfly doors to a Time Gate-inspired body design, the U9 looks like it just warped in from 2045. But the looks aren’t just for show. It has a drag coefficient of 0.95, 12 aerodynamic systems, an electric four-speed active rear wing, and carbon aero blades that all work in sync to keep this beast planted.

Even heat dissipation is managed by the aero setup, ensuring that both the motors and the battery stay cool during high-speed stints—no matter how hard you push it.

Tech-Loaded Interior: Qualcomm, DiLink, and Race Guidance

Inside, the U9 is a rolling tech showcase. Three screens—driver, center, and passenger—all powered by BYD’s DiLink150 system running on a 4nm Qualcomm chip. It’s fast, responsive, and wired for real-time track guidance across 30+ circuits in China with 0.01s precision.

Dynaudio provides concert-level audio while voice control, driver coaching AI, and over-the-air updates future-proof the experience. It’s luxury-meets-lap-timer in a way that feels less Silicon Valley, more Nürburgring pit wall.

Race Intelligence Meets Driver Safety

Aside from the track-focused tech, the U9 brings serious ADAS chops. With adaptive cruise, blind spot monitoring, lane centering, and potential Level 3+ autonomy, it’s ready for both the racetrack and the daily crawl—assuming your commute involves onlookers and not traffic jams.

The AI assistant even mimics racing lines, analyzes driver inputs, and acts like a coach in your passenger seat. It’s not just an electric car—it’s a full-time driving tutor with race-winning instincts baked in.