PAPENBURG, GERMANY — BYD’s luxury sub-brand YANGWANG has smashed the global EV speed record with its U9 Track Edition, clocking an official top speed of 472.41 km/h on August 8 at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track.

The run makes the U9 Track Edition the world’s fastest electric vehicle, edging past the previous record also set at the same venue. Behind the wheel was German racing driver Marc Basseng, who last year held the title with an earlier version of the U9.

At the heart of the achievement is YANGWANG’s e4 Platform, the world’s first quad-motor system capable of spinning up to 30,000rpm. Each motor delivers 555kW, for a combined system output of over 3,000PS. With a power-to-weight ratio of 1,217PS per tonne, the U9 Track Edition rivals the world’s most extreme supercars.

The car also debuts the industry’s first mass-produced 1200V ultra-high-voltage platform, paired with a thermal-management system designed for extreme track conditions. Together with the DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System, the U9 maintains stability at blistering speeds. The suspension adjusts independently at all four corners to keep the tires planted, reducing pitch, roll, and loss of traction.

Aerodynamics also played a key role. The Track Edition retains the sleek lines of the standard U9, but adds an optional carbon-fiber front splitter designed for ultra-high-speed stability. Tire durability was ensured through a collaboration with Giti Tire, which developed bespoke semi-slick tires for the run. These feature optimized compounds and a special knurling treatment to reduce tire slippage under extreme torque loads.

For Basseng, the feat was as much personal as technical. “Last year, I thought I’d peaked,” he said. “I never expected to break my own record so soon — but here we are, with new technologies that made it possible.”

With this record, BYD’s YANGWANG brand isn’t just chasing numbers. It’s pushing the boundaries of what electric supercars can achieve, blending sustainability with raw performance — and reshaping the global image of EVs in the process.

Toyota has taken a big step forward in electrifying one of its most familiar nameplates. The Vios, known in Thailand as the Yaris Ativ, is now available as a full hybrid for the first time.

The Yaris Ativ HEV was just launched in Thailand in two trims, Premium and GR Sport. It becomes the second full-hybrid sedan in the subcompact class after the Honda City e:HEV. Toyota’s move also comes as Chinese players like BYD gain ground in Southeast Asia with models such as the Seal 5 DM-i, making the hybrid Vios a crucial model in this segment.

Under the hood

Power comes from a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with a lithium-ion battery and a compact electric motor, delivering a combined 109 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. The system uses an e-CVT, the same as the Yaris Cross HEV, with Toyota claiming up to 29.4 km/L fuel economy under R101 testing standards.

In Toyota’s official release, peak figures are slightly higher at 111 hp and 121 Nm, thanks to the permanent magnet synchronous motor paired with the 2NR-VEX engine.

Variants and features

The HEV Premium keeps a near-identical look to the standard model but adds hybrid badging and upgraded features. This variant includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and Toyota Safety Sense as standard.

The sportier HEV GR Sport becomes the new range-topper. It stands out with a full GR-S body kit, 17-inch wheels, a black roof, and GR-branded synthetic leather seats. It also benefits from tuned suspension and electric power steering for sharper handling.

Both versions are loaded with safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, six airbags, and a panoramic view monitor.

Interior updates

Cabin design remains familiar, but the infotainment and digital instrument cluster now display hybrid system data. GR Sport variants add unique trim pieces and accents to match the performance-inspired styling.

Coming to the Philippines?

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has not yet launched the fifth-generation Vios locally, but plans could be underway.

If introduced, the Yaris Ativ HEV could serve as the Vios’ hybrid counterpart, much like the Zenix has become the electrified version of the Innova. With strong consumer interest in fuel-efficient cars and Toyota’s expanding hybrid portfolio, the odds of seeing it on Philippine roads within the next couple of years are high.

Li Auto is steadily carving its name in the Philippines with SUVs that balance technology, comfort, and family-focused design. But beyond plush seats and extended range, the brand is raising eyebrows for introducing a feature once thought futuristic: Remote Parking Assist.

Parking Without Sitting Behind the Wheel

Through its OTA 5.0 software update, Li Auto vehicles now support Remote Parking Assist (RPA). The function allows owners to park or retrieve their cars using a smartphone after stepping out—a practical solution for tight garages or crowded city spaces. Unlike traditional auto-park systems that need the driver inside, RPA hands off the task entirely to the car.

A Family-Centered Lineup

Li Auto Philippines recently showcased its three flagship models, the Li L7, Li L9, and Li MEGA, all designed with family comfort in mind.

• Li L7 – The 5-seat flagship SUV offers up to 1,421 km of extended range, a Dual Motor 4WD system, and a cabin that feels more lounge than vehicle. It features a built-in warmer/refrigerator, second-row entertainment display, and premium audio. With intelligent parking and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functions, it balances luxury with daily practicality.

• Li L9 – This 6-seater stretches comfort further with plush seating, advanced driver-assist features, and in-car entertainment that can even include a double air mattress for road trips. High-resolution cameras and LiDAR (on the Ultra trim) enhance its Li Pilot system, offering safety across varied terrains.

• Li MEGA – The brand’s MPV flagship redefines people movers. With a 710 km pure electric range, “Magic Carpet” suspension, and a versatile interior that switches from living room to cinema, it feels less like a van and more like a mobile retreat. Heated and massaging seats, a 2,160W audio system, and smart storage cater to both daily runs and milestone journeys.

Intelligent Driving Gets an Upgrade

At the core of Li Auto’s technology push is AD Max 3.0, rolled out via OTA 5.0. This upgrade shifts from segmented programming to a large-model architecture for more natural and adaptive driving assistance.

Features include:

• Enhanced ADAS: Highway, urban, and intersection navigation with Active Emergency Braking from 4–135 km/h.
• Smart Space 3.0: Powered by Mind GPT, the system understands multi-command voice requests, offers over 1,000 skills across 111 domains, and provides more natural, context-aware interactions.
• REV 3.0: Improved range-extender system increases prediction accuracy and boosts winter EV range by 15–20%.

Hardware Boosts for 2025 Models

Recent updates also strengthen Li Auto’s hardware lineup:

• LiDAR & Chips: New LiDAR units are 60% smaller and 55% more power-efficient while offering 200m range. Pro trims use Horizon Journey 6M (128 TOPS), while Max/Ultra trims move to Nvidia Thor-U (700 TOPS).
• Safety Enhancements: Automatic braking now works effectively up to 120 km/h, while steering assistance can avoid unexpected pedestrians at up to 130 km/h.
• Ride Comfort: Suspension refinements reduce body roll and improve responsiveness.

Every Journey, A Family Adventure

For Li Auto, “Every Journey, A Family Adventure” is embedded in its SUVs that combine long range, smart technology, and home-like interiors. Whether it’s a quick errand or a cross-country escape, the promise is to turn drives into shared memories.