BYD Yangwang U9 Electric Supercar : In a thrilling development for car enthusiasts, the BYD Yangwang U9, a high-performance electric supercar, was recently spotted in Sydney, Australia. This sighting has sparked excitement and curiosity, as the U9, a flagship model from BYD’s luxury sub-brand Yangwang, is not officially available in the Australian market.
The sleek, powerful vehicle was seen being transported through the streets of Rushcutters Bay, close to BYD’s Sydney experience centre in Darlinghurst, hinting at a possible promotional or testing event. This article explores the significance of this sighting, the U9’s cutting-edge features, and what it means for the future of electric supercars in Australia.
A Striking Appearance in Sydney
The Yangwang U9 was spotted uncovered on the back of a tow truck, making no attempt to conceal its bold design. Unlike typical test vehicles that are camouflaged to avoid attention, the U9 was displayed in full view, showcasing its aerodynamic lines and futuristic aesthetic. This sighting, reported by automotive outlet Drive on June 8, 2025, has fueled speculation about BYD’s intentions in Australia. According to James Robinson, BYD’s public relations manager, the U9 is in the country for a series of upcoming tech demonstration events, with details to be shared in the coming weeks. However, he emphasized that there are no plans to bring the U9 to the Australian market for sale, aligning with earlier statements from BYD’s former distributor, EVDirect.
The choice of Rushcutters Bay, near BYD’s Sydney experience centre, suggests the sighting was strategic, likely intended to generate buzz for the Yangwang brand. This move mirrors BYD’s previous efforts to showcase its Yangwang U8 luxury SUV in Australian showrooms to gauge consumer interest. The U9’s appearance could be part of a similar brand-building exercise, highlighting BYD’s technological prowess and its ambition to compete with global supercar giants like Ferrari and Lamborghini.
The Yangwang U9: A Technological Marvel
The BYD Yangwang U9 is a pure electric supercar that pushes the boundaries of performance and innovation. Launched in China in February 2024, with deliveries beginning in August 2024, the U9 is priced at 1.68 million yuan (approximately AU$361,000), making it a compelling alternative to high-end supercars from European manufacturers. Designed under the direction of Wolfgang Egger, a former head designer for Audi, Lamborghini, and Alfa Romeo, the U9 boasts a striking “Time Gate” design language characterized by sharp lines, aggressive proportions, and a low-slung stance.
At the heart of the U9’s performance is its quad-motor powertrain, delivering a combined output of 960 kW (1,287 hp) and 1,680 Nm of torque. This immense power enables the U9 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 2.36 seconds, rivaling the likes of the Ferrari SF90 and Bugatti Chiron. The car’s top speed is claimed to be 309.19 km/h, though some reports suggest it has achieved up to 391.94 km/h in testing, making it the fastest Chinese car in serial production. Despite its hefty 2,475 kg weight, the U9’s advanced engineering ensures exceptional agility and handling.
The U9 is built on BYD’s proprietary e4 platform, which uses four independent electric motors for precise torque control to each wheel. This system enhances safety and performance, allowing the car to redistribute torque in case of traction loss or a tire puncture. Additionally, the U9 features the DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System, a hydraulic suspension that can adjust each wheel’s ground clearance individually. This technology enables the U9 to perform remarkable feats, such as driving on three wheels, jumping over obstacles, or even “dancing” to music with a click, as demonstrated in viral promotional videos.
The U9’s 80 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack supports an 800V electrical architecture, enabling ultra-fast charging speeds of up to 500 kW. A 30% to 80% charge takes just 10 minutes, and the car offers a range of up to 465 km on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). The U9 also incorporates advanced aerodynamics, with 12 sets of active and passive kits, including a four-speed adjustable electric rear wing and an active diffuser, to optimize performance and heat dissipation.
Inside, the U9 offers a luxurious cockpit with two 14-way adjustable seats, a 12.3-inch central infotainment screen, a 10.25-inch driver display, and an optional passenger screen. The cabin features carbon fiber trim, wireless smartphone charging, and a Dynaudio Evidence Series audio system for an immersive experience. The U9 also includes BYD’s DiLink and DiPilot systems, with a racing assistant mode that learns track alignments from top drivers, covering nearly 30 tracks across China with timing accuracy within 0.01 seconds.
Why Sydney, and What’s Next?
The sighting of the Yangwang U9 in Sydney raises questions about BYD’s strategy in Australia. While the company has confirmed that the U9 is not planned for local sales, its presence suggests a focus on brand visibility. BYD recently took full control of its Australian operations, moving away from its former distributor, EVDirect. This shift could open the door to reassessing the U9’s potential in right-hand-drive markets, though production is currently limited to left-hand-drive configurations.
The U9’s appearance aligns with BYD’s broader ambition to establish Yangwang as a premium brand globally. By showcasing the U9’s advanced technology, such as its DiSus-X suspension and e4 platform, BYD aims to position itself as a leader in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The company’s success in overtaking Tesla as the world’s top-selling EV manufacturer in 2023 underscores its growing influence, and the U9 is a bold statement of its ability to compete in the high-performance segment.
However, the Australian market poses challenges for the U9. With only 172 Ferraris, 169 Lamborghinis, and 71 McLarens sold in Australia in 2023, the demand for supercars is limited. Luke Todd, former managing director of EVDirect, noted that the U9’s high price and niche appeal make it a tough fit for Australia’s “affordable luxury” market. Instead, BYD is prioritizing models like the Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal, and the upcoming Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute, which better align with local preferences.
Implications for the Electric Supercar Market
The Yangwang U9’s Sydney sighting highlights the rapid evolution of the electric supercar segment. While vehicles like the Rimac Nevera and Pininfarina Battista have set benchmarks for EV performance, their multimillion-dollar price tags make them inaccessible to most buyers. The U9, priced at roughly a third of a base-model Lamborghini Huracán, offers comparable performance at a more accessible price point, potentially disrupting the market.
BYD’s focus on innovation, from its e4 platform to its DiSus-X suspension, positions the U9 as a technological showcase. The car’s ability to perform stunts like jumping over potholes or driving on three wheels may seem gimmicky, but it underscores BYD’s engineering capabilities. These features, combined with the U9’s track-ready performance—evidenced by its 7:17.9 lap time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in November 2024—make it a serious contender in the supercar world.
The sighting of the BYD Yangwang U9 in Sydney is a tantalizing glimpse of what the future of electric supercars could hold. While the U9 is unlikely to hit Australian showrooms soon, its presence signals BYD’s ambition to challenge established players in the high-performance EV market. With its stunning design, blistering performance, and innovative technology, the U9 is a testament to the rapid advancements in electric vehicle engineering. As BYD continues to expand its global footprint, car enthusiasts will be watching closely to see if the Yangwang U9 makes its way to more markets, redefining what an electric supercar can be.