Lead:
Professional racing driver Mark Baseng drove the BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme electric vehicle to a speed exceeding 500 kilometers per hour on November 1, 2026, on a secured section of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Road in the Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi. The achievement surpassed the previous world record of 496.22 kilometers per hour set in Germany. The feat reflects collaborative support from Abu Dhabi's advanced road infrastructure and coordination among relevant authorities to prepare and secure the test track.
Details:
Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, was briefed on the accomplishment during a meeting with Stella Li, Vice President of BYD, the Chinese company specializing in electric vehicle manufacturing and sustainable mobility solutions. Al-Akhbar reported that the Yangwang U9 Xtreme represents BYD's innovation in high-performance electric vehicles and energy technology development.
The test drive took place on a designated, secured portion of the E11 highway in the Dhafra area. According to reports, Abu Dhabi's advanced transport infrastructure network, combined with technical and operational support from relevant government entities, enabled the preparation and execution of the speed trial. The record-breaking run occurred under controlled conditions with full safety protocols in place.
The accomplishment demonstrates capability in electric vehicle performance engineering and positions Abu Dhabi as a location where cutting-edge automotive technology testing can be conducted. The collaboration between BYD, Abu Dhabi's transport authorities, and local support agencies highlights coordination between private technology developers and government infrastructure stewardship. No announcement has been made regarding additional speed trials or extensions of the testing program.
Watch For:
— Whether BYD or other manufacturers pursue further speed records using Abu Dhabi's infrastructure, or whether regulatory frameworks for such trials are formalized.
— Any official recognition of the record by international automotive or speed-record governing bodies, and whether Abu Dhabi seeks certification or formal designation as a testing venue.
— Plans to integrate lessons from the trial into commercial vehicle development or public transport initiatives within the emirate.