BYD’s new Yangwang U9, its first electric sports car, was caught racing around the Nurburgring this week. With four electric motors and over 1,200 hp, the new EV supercar will leave Ferrari in the dust.
The U9 is the second vehicle launched under BYD’s ultra-luxury Yangwang brand. BYD launched Yangwang in January 2023, showcasing the U9 alongside the full-size U8 SUV.
In December, BYD kicked off U8 deliveries with starting prices over $150,000 (1,089,000 yuan). The Yangwang U8 is viewed as BYD’s answer to the Mercedes G-Class and Land Rover Defender. It made its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show in February.
After teasing the electric supercar’s dance moves last year, BYD officially launched the U9 in February.
BYD opened orders for its electric sports car starting at $233,400 (1,680,000 yuan) in February. The U9 “opens the era of pure electric supercars,” according to BYD.
Meet BYD’s new electric sports car
Powered by four electric motors, the U9 gets up to 1,287 hp (960 kW) and 1,200 lb-ft of torque for a 0 to 62 mph sprint in 2.36 seconds.
According to BYD, the U9 tops the power performance of V12 engines. In comparison, Ferrari’s twin-turbocharged V8-powered SF90 Stadale can go from 0 to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds. The Buggati Chiron also has a 0 to 62 mph sprint in 2.4 seconds.
A prototype of BYD’s electric sports car was spotted racing around the Nurburgring this week. The video from CarSpyMedia gives us a better look at the sporty EV as it flexes its power, ripping around corners.
At 4,966 mm (195.5″) long, 2,029 mm (80″) wide, and 1,295 mm (51″) tall, the Yangwang U9 is about the same size as a Lamborghini Aventador (4,943 mm L, 2,098 mm W, 1,136 mm H).
Top comment by George Slack
At 1:15 look at those rotors glowing red. Way too early in the run to see that... especially in an EV that is most likely using some form of regen brake assist. I've been in a high performance car, driving on a track, and experienced brake failure... I would not trust my life and $250K of my money on a "supercar" made by a company that has so little history in automotive manufacturing and no experience in racing. Sure it might be fast, but is it safe? Will it be fast and safe after a year on the road?
Inside, BYD says the U9 features “the smartest supercar cockpit” with DiLink and DiPilot. The U9 includes two LCD screens, a 10.25″ driver display, and 12.3″ vertical infotainment screens. In some models, an added 10.25″ passenger screen is included.
Although $233K may seem steep, keep in mind a 2024 Ferrari SF90 Stradale starts at over $500K, more than double.
Meanwhile, Ferrari’s first electric supercar, due out next year, will start at over $500,000 (500,000 euros).
Which one are you buying? The U9 all-electric supercar or a Ferrari? Let us know in the comments below.
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