As BYD continues its push into the global high-performance electric vehicle market, the Yangwang U9 has drawn international attention for its extreme performance and advanced engineering. This naturally raises two key questions for global buyers: Is the BYD Yangwang U9 street legal on public roads, and can it be purchased outside China?
This article provides a comprehensive, regulation-based analysis of the Yangwang U9’s road legality, certification status, and overseas purchase options—covering China, select international markets, and real-world ownership cases.
I. Dual Definitions of Legal Operation and Overseas Purchase for the BYD Yangwang U9
Legal operation refers to a vehicle passing national or regional regulatory certifications, meeting emission, safety, and technical standards, obtaining driving permits, and paying relevant taxes and fees before being permitted to operate on public roads. For new energy vehicles, additional requirements such as battery safety and charging interface specifications must also be met.
Purchasing overseas involves cross-border transactions, requiring compliance with the target market’s import regulations, tariff policies, and after-sales support systems. Some countries impose additional restrictions on high-performance vehicles (e.g., environmental certifications, noise standards).
II. Can the BYD Yangwang U9 Legally Hit the Road?
Answer: Yes.
The Yangwang U9 has obtained certification under China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) New Vehicle Announcement, complying with national standards including GB/T 31467.3-2015 “Safety Requirements for Lithium-Ion Power Battery Packs and Systems for Electric Vehicles.” Its Yifang quad-motor system, Yunyan-X intelligent suspension, and 80kWh lithium iron phosphate battery have all passed mandatory inspections. Performance metrics—including a CLTC range of 450km and a top speed of 309.19km/h (tested)—meet regulatory requirements. Users must complete purchase tax payment, compulsory traffic insurance enrollment, and license plate registration for legal operation.
III. Can the BYD Yangwang U9 be purchased outside China?
Answer: Sales are available in select markets with restrictions.
Markets where it has entered: Physical vehicles have appeared in Brazil and certain Southeast Asian countries (e.g., Thailand). Users can place reservations through local dealers by paying a deposit, but delivery depends on production capacity allocation.
Markets not yet entered: Due to emissions regulations (e.g., Euro 7 standards) and localization requirements, the U9 is not yet sold widely in Europe. It has only appeared as a “test vehicle” at the Nürburgring, setting a lap time of 6:59.157.
Special Channels: Scalpers resell units overseas at markups, but buyers bear substantial tariffs (e.g., U.S. imposes 2.5% import duty + 25% luxury tax on supercars) and compliance modification costs (e.g., replacing lighting systems to meet local standards).
IV. Dual Value of BYD Yangwang U9: Legal On-Road Use & Overseas Purchase
- Technical Compliance Ensures Safety
The Yangwang U9’s carbon fiber monocoque body (over 110kg of carbon fiber used), 12 aerodynamic components, and Level 2 driver assistance system (including 540° panoramic imaging and automated parking) have all passed China’s C-NCAP crash tests, ensuring occupant protection under extreme conditions. For instance, its Yun Nian-X suspension system can independently control the vehicle’s posture via four motors during high-speed tire blowouts, preventing rollovers. - Overseas Purchases Cater to Diverse Demands
Performance Enthusiasts: International buyers can experience the Yangwang U9’s extreme acceleration (0-100 km/h in just 2.36 seconds) and track prowess (Shanghai International Circuit lap time: 2 minutes 17.65 seconds).
Collector Investors: Limited editions (e.g., the globally limited 30-unit Yangwang U9 Xtreme) hold appreciation potential in secondary markets, with its 496.22 km/h top speed record at Germany’s ATP test track further enhancing collectible value.
Brand Promotion: Overseas sales bolster BYD’s global premium market presence, positioning it in direct competition with brands like Tesla and Porsche.
V. BYD Yangwang U9 Overseas Purchase Process
Step 1: Verify target market regulations (e.g., EPA emissions certification required in the U.S., WVTA whole vehicle type approval required in the EU).
Step 2: Contact BYD overseas dealers or authorized agents, pay a deposit, and sign a purchase contract (specifying vehicle configuration, delivery timeline, and after-sales terms).
Step 3: Assist with import procedures, including customs clearance, payment of tariffs and VAT (e.g., Thailand: 30%-80% tariff, 7% VAT), and vehicle modifications (e.g., mirror replacement, headlight angle adjustment).
Step 4: Complete registration in the target market; some countries require local certification (e.g., Germany: TÜV certification).
VI. BYD Yangwang U9 Implementation Cases and Outcomes
Case 1: Brazilian User Achieves Legal Road Use
In January 2025, a user in São Paulo, Brazil purchased the Yangwang U9 through a local dealer. After paying the vehicle price of RMB 1.68 million plus approximately RMB 1.2 million in tariffs and taxes, the vehicle underwent localized modifications (adding rear fog lights, adjusting dashboard language) and obtained INMETRO (Brazilian National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality) certification, successfully securing driving permission. The owner stated: “The vehicle’s performance far exceeded expectations, especially on wet surfaces—the four-motor independent control system significantly enhances driving safety.”
Case 2: Scalper Resale to the U.S.
In December 2025, an American collector purchased a Yangwang U9 through a scalper for 4 million yuan. After paying a 25% luxury tax and modification fees (replacing the lighting system with U.S. specs and adding blind-spot monitoring mirrors), the vehicle was registered in California. This became North America’s first legally roadworthy Yangwang U9. Its top speed record of 391.94 km/h drew local media attention, significantly boosting BYD’s brand recognition.
Case 3: Limited Edition Model Appreciation
In September 2025, following the Yangwang U9 Xtreme’s 6:59.157 lap time at Germany’s Nürburgring, the globally limited edition of 30 units sold out instantly. Secondary market prices surged to 30 million yuan per vehicle (original price undisclosed but estimated over 20 million yuan), representing over 10-fold appreciation from the launch price and demonstrating its collectible value and market scarcity.
Conclusion
Through technical compliance and extreme performance, the Yangwang U9 not only achieved legal road approval in China but also expanded its global market presence via limited-edition models and overseas sales. For consumers, whether seeking driving pleasure or investment appreciation, the Yangwang U9 offers differentiated choices. For BYD, this model’s success marks a new phase for Chinese supercars—transitioning from “technological catch-up” to “global leadership.”
