A jaw-dropping video of China’s BYD Yangwang U9 electric supercar literally jumping over road hazards has gone viral, highlighting the aggressive push by Chinese automakers to redefine what’s possible in electric vehicle technology.
The clip, shared widely on social media, including X, shows the sleek supercar accelerating on a test track before its wheels lift dramatically off the ground to clear obstacles like potholes and tire-shredding spikes. In one sequence, a silver model splashes through water before the action shifts to a striking red version that hops forward while in motion. On-screen text emphasizes the car’s capabilities, tying the stunt to its 1,287-horsepower output.
The Yangwang U9 is no ordinary EV. Launched by BYD’s luxury Yangwang brand in 2024, the car packs four electric motors delivering a combined 1,287 horsepower (960 kW) and 1,680 Nm of torque. It rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 2.36 seconds and has a top speed around 309 km/h (192 mph). Pricing starts at roughly 1.68 million RMB, or about $236,000.
The star of the show is BYD’s proprietary DiSus-X intelligent body control system, an active suspension setup that can independently adjust each wheel. In “jump mode,” the car compresses its suspension before rapidly expanding to launch all four wheels off the ground for a brief hop, allowing it to clear small obstacles. Demos have shown it clearing potholes, spike strips, and even performing other tricks like “dancing” to music or driving with a wheel missing.
While impressive on a closed test track, BYD includes a clear disclaimer in its promotional materials: the leap function is prohibited from being used to jump over obstacles, potholes, slopes, or other practical road scenarios to avoid personal injury or property damage. The feature is presented primarily as a demonstration of the suspension’s advanced capabilities rather than as a recommended driving mode for everyday use.
China’s EV dominance continues to accelerate. BYD has emerged as one of the world’s largest electric vehicle makers, backed by significant government support and rapid innovation. The Yangwang U9 represents the company’s high-end push into the supercar segment traditionally dominated by European and American brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Tesla’s high-performance models.
Critics note that while the engineering on display is eye-catching, real-world practicality on public roads remains limited, and questions persist about long-term reliability, parts availability outside China, and the broader strategic competition in the global auto industry.
The viral footage has sparked reactions ranging from awe (“Speed Racer is real”) to skepticism about whether such features will ever translate beyond marketing demos. For now, the Yangwang U9 stands as a bold statement from Chinese engineers: they’re not just competing in the EV space, they’re aiming to leap ahead.
