BYD Yangwang U9 prototype sustains damage in high-speed test crash
A BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme prototype crashed into guardrails at 360 km/h during a domestic test run, with no serious injuries reported.
Hu Xiaoqing, general manager of BYD’s Yangwang division, disclosed that a Yangwang U9 Xtreme prototype was severely damaged during a high-speed test conducted in China. The vehicle crashed into road barriers while traveling at 360 km/h, losing control after an initial impact.
Test driver Jiang Wen, a 23-year veteran of BYD, remained uninjured despite the severity of the incident. According to internal reports, the driver chose to inspect the crash site and analyze the vehicle's trajectory immediately after the impact rather than seeking immediate medical attention. The company confirmed that the driver eventually underwent a check-up.
The test was part of preparations for an upcoming high-speed challenge scheduled for Abu Dhabi. BYD’s U9 Xtreme previously recorded a speed of 496.22 km/h at the ATP test facility in Germany. The company continues to evaluate the data from the recent failure as it prepares for future performance evaluations.