BYD Yangwang U9 Track Review: China's 1,300 HP Jumping Supercar Put to the Test
Ryo Tanaka
· 7 min read
When BYD first showcased the Yangwang U9 jumping off the ground and driving on three wheels, the Internet dismissed it as a circus gimmick. But treat the Yangwang U9 purely as a viral sensation at your own peril. Underneath its dramatic dihedral doors and carbon fiber bodywork lies one of the most technologically ambitious performance vehicles ever created.
Priced at ¥1.68 million (approx. €215,000), the U9 is BYD's direct shot across the bow of Ferrari, McLaren, and Rimac.
The e4 Powertrain: Four Independent Motors
The beating heart of the U9 is the proprietary e4 platform, consisting of four independent permanent magnet motors. Each wheel receives dedicated torque distribution with millisecond response times:
- Total System Output: 1,287 hp (960 kW) and 1,680 Nm of peak torque.
- 0–100 km/h Sprint: 2.36 seconds.
- Top Speed: 309 km/h (192 mph).
- Battery Pack: 80 kWh Blade Battery with specialized thermal management designed to withstand continuous track laps.
“"The cornering torque vectoring is otherworldly. While traditional supercars use differential braking or electronic limited-slip differentials, the U9 applies forward drive on the outside wheel while regeneratively braking the inside wheel, physically pivoting you into the apex."”
The DiSus-X Magic: Active Body Control
The true centerpiece is the DiSus-X Full Active Body Control System. Powered by an 800V high-voltage bus, hydraulic actuators at each wheel can lift the chassis with up to 1 ton of force at a speed of 500 mm/s.
On the circuit, this eliminates pitch during heavy braking and eliminates roll in high-speed bends. You brake at 200 km/h, and the nose stays dead level. The sensation takes mental recalibration—your brain expects the chassis to lean, but the computer keeps the car completely horizontal.
Summary
The U9 weighs 2,475 kg, which is heavy for a pure track weapon. However, its immense computational power, bespoke Blade battery cooling, and quad-motor dynamics make it a landmark achievement for the Chinese automotive industry.
