October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

Watch: BYD’s Self-Driving Electric Hypercar Jumps Over Road Spikes

BYD’s YANGWANG U9 appears to drive itself over a water-filled obstacle and road spikes at 120 km/h. Here is what the video proves—and what it does not.
Entry042 Date Time8 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

BYD’s YANGWANG U9 appears to drive itself at about 120 km/h, jump more than six metres over a water-filled road obstacle and clear a strip of road spikes. The video is a striking demonstration of active suspension and electric powertrain control—not proof of unrestricted self-driving.

BYD’s YANGWANG U9 appears to drive itself at about 120 km/h, launch over a water-filled road obstacle, remain airborne for more than six metres, and then clear a strip of road spikes. The dramatic January 2025 video is real as a BYD-published demonstration—but it is better understood as a showcase for the U9’s active suspension and vehicle-control systems than proof of a road-ready autonomous car.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Watch BYD’s official unmanned leap-test video and the distinction becomes important. The car is shown on a prepared, straight test road, not navigating ordinary traffic. The front seats appear empty during the filmed run, supporting BYD’s description of an “unmanned” test. However, BYD has not publicly disclosed all the details needed to classify the demonstration as general-purpose self-driving.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What the BYD U9 jump video shows

The vehicle is the YANGWANG U9, BYD’s premium-brand pure-electric supercar. In the company’s video, it approaches the test section at approximately 120 km/h (74.5 mph). The reported sequence includes:

#1 Best Overall
Sale
1/14 Brushless RC Cars for Adults Fast 50+ mph, RC Trucks 4x4 Offroad Waterproof, Electric Powered High Speed Remote Control Car, Fast Extreme All Terrain RC Truggy with 3S Battery for Snow Sand
  • RTR Built for Extreme Speed Bashing: Rugged chassis components, including steel differential outdrives and metal gearbox internals, durable steel universal drive shaft, a heavy-duty drivetrain, and more contribute to unstoppable bashing performance. The composite front bumper lets you fearlessly tackle almost anything that stands in your way.
  • Aluminum Alloy Chassis: Made of 6061 aluminum, the laser-etched chassis plate with a metal center body support and strong composite brace for maximum durability. Designed to resist impacts and minimize damage, its reinforced and upgraded chassis ensures it can handle the toughest terrains, offering up to 50% longer durability than typical models.
  • Brushless Extreme Speed Truggy: Hobby 2852 4200KV, 4 pole high-torque motor with metal heatsink. Waterproof receiver and 45A ESC (compatible 2S/3S battery) make this car more potential and upgradeable.
  • Release the Monster: This 4x4 RC car can reach an amazing speed of fast 50+ mph (80 km/h), rocketing from 0 to 80 km/h in mere seconds thanks to its 3S power. Dual batteries push your fun to the limit with an incredible 44 minutes of extended playtime!
  • All-terrain: Multi-terrain airless style tires with a diameter of 111mm are suitable for running on grass, gravel and dirt roads. The extra paddle tires easily conquer extreme terrain such as sand, snow, mud.
  • A water-filled pothole or trench approximately 2.5 metres across or long, depending on how the obstacle is described.
  • A leap of more than six metres while the U9 clears the first obstacle.
  • A road-spike strip roughly 3.5–3.6 cm high. Independent coverage describes the strip as approximately four metres long.
  • Interior footage in which both front seats appear to be empty.

Those details establish what the clip depicts, but not everything happening behind the scenes. The obstacle geometry is known, the road is prepared, and the test conditions are controlled. The video is also a company demonstration rather than an independently certified public-road safety test. CarNewsChina’s report notes that BYD did not identify the specific ADAS system used for the run.

How can the U9 jump?

The key technology is BYD’s DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System. In plain terms, DiSus-X is an electronically controlled body and suspension system that can rapidly alter the vehicle’s vertical motion, ride height and body attitude. It is not simply a conventional spring and damper waiting for the road to move underneath it.

BYD says the U9’s system provides up to 75 mm of adjustable suspension travel, a peak single-axis lifting speed of up to 500 mm per second, and instantaneous lifting force exceeding one tonne. BYD explicitly links DiSus-X to the U9’s ability to perform the jump. The company’s broader explanation of the DiSus architecture describes a system combining sensing, computing, control and vehicle hardware to coordinate lateral, longitudinal and vertical body dynamics.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

That does not mean the suspension alone behaves like a rocket launcher. A jump at speed depends on the timing and interaction of several systems: the suspension’s vertical force, the car’s forward velocity, the wheels’ contact with the road, body pitch, and the torque delivered by the four electric motors. The exact control sequence used in the video has not been fully published.

New Atlas describes the demonstration in terms of the U9’s Intelligent Damping Body Control and Intelligent Hydraulic Body Control. The same hardware can have less spectacular uses, including reducing squat under acceleration, dive under braking and roll in corners. It can also adjust ride height and help the car clear driveways or speed bumps. Those are more credible everyday implications than treating the vehicle as a car that should routinely jump hazards.

Rank #2
X-TMAGA 1:14 All Terrain RC Cars, 4WD Off-Road Remote Control Car (HS14323)
  • Modular 2 x 7.4V 1300mAh powerful lithium battery: The battery is equipped with a safe, powerful and high-capacity management system to prevent overcharge, overdischarge and short circuit, which greatly improves safety. The housing is made of strong engineering materials, which greatly increases the safety of the battery and makes it easier to disassemble. 50 minutes of play on 2 batteries. (Depending on operation).
  • Powerful 390 brushed motor: Compared to brushless, it is not a brute force slam, there is no brushless delay, the throttle linearity is better, and it is more conducive to beginners mastering RC skills. Of course, the customized 390 motor is equally impressive in terms of speed, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h in good road conditions. This is very enjoyable for the operator.
  • Adjustable alloy spring shock absorber: The shock absorber greatly reduces the shaking of the remote control truck at high speed. Shock absorbers can not only filter bumps, but also are indispensable dynamic control tools for stadiums. More stable, more secure.
  • All-terrain tire: Multi-terrain airless style tires with a diameter of 90mm are suitable for run on grass, gravel and dirt roads. The extra tires easily conquer extreme terrain such as snow, sand, mud.
  • Transmitter: TRIM and SPEED button on the 2.4GHz anti-interference controller. The car's speed and steering can be controlled proportionally based on the real car great for beginners.

The four-motor electric powertrain matters too

The U9 is built on BYD’s e4 platform, using four independently controlled electric motors and all-wheel drive. Each wheel can receive individually managed drive torque, giving the control system more freedom than a conventional drivetrain with one engine, a gearbox and mechanical differentials.

BYD’s launch material lists approximately 1,300 horsepower and 1,680 N·m of torque. It gives a claimed 0–100 km/h time of 2.36 seconds and a top speed of 309.19 km/h. Another published specification expresses the combined motor output as 960 kW, or about 1,287 hp. The small difference is a matter of rounding and presentation, so “about 1,300 hp” is the most useful general description.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The important point is not simply that the U9 is powerful. Four independently controlled motors can help manage wheel slip, yaw and torque distribution while the active suspension manages body movement. Together, they give BYD a digitally controlled platform for coordinating propulsion, handling and vertical motion at a level that passive suspension cannot match.

Is this really a self-driving car?

It is driverless in the filmed demonstration, but the video does not prove unrestricted autonomous driving.

There are several different claims hidden inside the phrase “self-driving”:

Rank #3
1:16 Scale All Terrain Fast RC Cars for Adults 40KPH, 4WD Electric Off-Road Remote Control Monster Truck with Metal Chassis, 2.4Ghz High Speed Car, Waterproof RC Truck with 2 Batteries for Boys & Kids
  • 【Metal Upgrades Drivetrain – Built to Dominate】Equipped with a rugged metal chassis, metal differential, metal drive shaft, and high performance shocks, this RC truck features a metal drivetrain built for extreme durability and performance. Whether you're tearing through sand, mud, gravel, or grass, it conquers every terrain with ease. Get ready to experience the thrill of true off-road domination!
  • 【40KM/H Top Speed & 380 High-Torque Motor – Ultimate Power】Powered by a high-torque 380 brushed motor, this beast tears through trails at speeds up to 40KM/H. The responsive 4WD system combined with an IPX4 waterproof ESC lets you blast through puddles, bumps and hills like a pro—this one’s built to blast!
  • 【Dual 1200mAh Batteries – 40 Minutes Nonstop Fun】 Includes 2 x 1200mAh high-capacity batteries delivering up to 40 minutes of nonstop fun. No more short rides or constant recharging—just longer, thrilling off-road adventures and more time tearing up the terrain!
  • 【LED Headlights + Metal Chassis – Built to Last】True monster truck style meets serious durability. Bright LED headlights light up the night, while the reinforced metal chassis delivers the rigidity to handle rough terrain and hard impacts. Combined with shock-absorbing suspension, this rig crushes trails day or night—unleash unstoppable stunts!
  • 【Perfect Gift for Kids & Adults – Fun for All Skill Levels】Looking for a gift that delivers instant excitement? Whether you’re a hobbyist or a first-timer, this high-speed RC car is a perfect choice for birthdays, holidays, or just because. Bring the thrill of driving to life, melt away stress, and dive into the excitement of remote control fun—an experience kids and adults alike will never forget.
Claim What the evidence supports
Unmanned operation during the filmed run Supported visually: the front seats appear empty and BYD calls it an unmanned test.
Automated approach and obstacle clearance Visually supported, although the exact perception, planning and control systems are undisclosed.
General-purpose autonomous driving Not established by this demonstration.
Level 4 or Level 5 autonomy Not established. No complete operational design domain, fallback system or validation evidence is provided.
A customer-accessible autonomous jump mode Not established. The video does not show that ordinary owners can or should reproduce the maneuver.

The test may have involved geofencing, remote supervision, a specially prepared control routine, additional safety systems or a restricted operating design domain. The available public material does not specify those conditions. For that reason, “apparently unmanned,” “driverless in the filmed demonstration” or “BYD’s unmanned test” is more accurate than saying the U9 has solved general-purpose self-driving.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What the demonstration does—and does not—prove

The video demonstrates an impressive integrated-control problem. A vehicle has to approach a known obstacle at high speed, coordinate its suspension and motor outputs at a precise moment, maintain a manageable body attitude in the air, and return to the surface without an obvious loss of control. That is a demanding engineering exercise.

But it does not prove that jumping is a sensible response to a pothole on a public road. A real pothole may have unknown depth, irregular edges, standing water, traffic around it and no safe landing area. A road-spike strip may be placed at an unexpected angle or hidden from the vehicle’s sensors. Repeated high-energy landings would also impose substantial loads on the tyres, wheels, suspension, battery structure and body.

Nor does the clip establish how reliably the system detects unfamiliar hazards, what happens if an obstacle is misclassified, or whether the car can stop safely when the jump plan becomes unsafe. Those questions require published technical documentation, repeatable testing and regulatory validation—not just a successful promotional run.

What is the YANGWANG U9?

BYD launched the U9 in China on February 25, 2024, with an announced price of 1.68 million RMB and deliveries planned for summer 2024. That is the Chinese launch price, not a universal current price or a confirmed retail price for every market.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #4
Sale
QUNREDA Remote Control Car, RC Cars Toys for Kids Ages 6-12, 4WD Stunt Car with LED Lights & 360° Flips, 2.4GHz, Upgraded USB-C Modular Batteries, 8-10 Year Old Boys Birthday Gift 1-Blue
  • Latest Upgraded Modular Battery: Equip your child's RC car with two easily detachable 500 mAh (3.7V) lithium battery modules. Each battery module provides up to 25 minutes of non-stop action. Quickly swap the spent battery with the fully charged spare to extend playtime to 50 minutes. The tool-free quick-swap design is ideal for young racers eager to continue their adventures without delay. Each battery is safely encased in a premium ABS shell and integrates seamlessly with the car's design, making it easy and safe for children to manage the batteries independently.
  • Effortless Charging with Type-C Interface:Our RC car’s modular batteries are charged via a Type-C cable, which is widely used across various devices, from mobile phones to laptops. This means there’s no need to search for special chargers or juggle multiple types of cables. Fast and efficient, the Type-C connection reduces charging times significantly, so your child can get back to their adventures sooner.
  • Multi-Stunt Control & Robust Build: Explore the dynamic capabilities of our QUNREDA remote control car with its easy-to-use two-button controller that enables nine different stunts, including 360° flips and multi-directional spins. Enhanced with 2.4GHz anti-interference technology, this RC car ensures long-distance control up to 50 meters, allowing multiple cars to race without interference.
  • Robust Build with Enhanced Navigation: The car is equipped with distinctive red-eye LED headlights to help users easily identify the front of the car during dynamic play, alongside durable, all-terrain tires made from high-quality ABS for superior grip and shock absorption, perfect for any indoor or outdoor environment like beaches, wetlands, or grasslands.
  • Instant Adventure Awaits: Unbox an immediate racing challenge with our RC stunt car, specifically designed to captivate kids' imaginations. Watch as they delve into a world of speed and agility, piloting their vehicle through complex stunts and races that not only enhance their coordination but also boost their problem-solving skills. Perfect for solo play or with friends, this car keeps your child engaged in active play, fostering a sense of accomplishment with every new trick mastered.

BYD’s launch information also highlights a Blade Battery, dual ultra-fast charging capability and a track-oriented intelligent cabin. Third-party specifications have cited an approximately 80-kWh battery and roughly 450–465 km of CLTC range, with the exact figures varying by source or configuration. Those figures are less relevant to the jump than the U9’s combination of four-motor drive and DiSus-X body control.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why the jump is significant for electric cars

BYD is using the U9 to demonstrate a broader change in vehicle engineering. Electric motors respond quickly and can be controlled independently at each wheel. Software can coordinate those motors with electronically controlled suspension, braking and steering. That makes it possible to manage the vehicle as an integrated motion system rather than as separate engine, gearbox and suspension components.

In normal driving, the payoff may be better body control, more stable cornering, improved traction, easier ride-height adjustment and greater clearance over ordinary obstacles. The airborne stunt is the attention-grabbing extreme of that capability. It is not necessarily the feature that matters most to owners.

For enthusiasts who want a physical reminder of the unusual car in the video, a YANGWANG U9 die-cast model is a more realistic collectible than attempting to recreate the jump. Specialist retailers have documented 1:64 and larger-scale U9 replicas, although availability, licensing and Amazon inventory can change by country. A scale model also represents the vehicle; it does not reproduce DiSus-X or the car’s driving functions.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Bottom line

The BYD YANGWANG U9 really is shown performing a spectacular unmanned jump over a prepared obstacle course at roughly 120 km/h. The most defensible technical reading is that BYD is demonstrating DiSus-X active body control working together with a four-motor electric drivetrain—not offering evidence that a consumer car can independently handle arbitrary road hazards.

Best Value
Amphibious Remote Control Car, 1:18 Monster Truck Toys for Boys RC Cars
  • 2.4 GHz Remote Control Car - 1:18 scale cool design, waterproof RC truck toys made of premium material and sturdy, with LED lights, waterproof remote, one-click demo, 4WD all-terrain 360°rotation, 2.4GHz wireless remote control is responsive, long-distance anti -interference No Chaos, easy to operate, allows multiple cars to race simultaneously. Great gifts for kids, enjoy a fun and relaxing racing activity with their family & friends
  • High Quality & DIY Removable Toys RC Cars - This remote control monster truck structure design quality, flexibility and strength in one. The rc truck toy car shell is upgraded alloy material, removable, with high hardness pvc material body, super anti-collision, durable. Simple assembly , we also provide extra gold color car shell, the children can independently replace & DIY, to play a unique creative ideas, exercise hands-on ability and creativity
  • All Terrain Amphibious Monster Truck - 4-wheel drive off-road design rc trucks for kids, with high-quality tires (shock absorption, strong grip, anti-skid), waterproof sealed electronic components, powerful electric motors, to easily break through any terrain, flexibly drive on puddles, gravel roads, grass, snow and beach, etc! Support 360° rotation in land & water, to surf in pools, rivers, lakes, or other water surface, providing endless fun for hobby RC cars
  • Two 1200 mAh Extended Batteries Double Playtime - Kids remote control car comes with two 3.7V/1200mAh high-performance batteries, optimized & extended use time, each battery 60 Mins playtime. 2 long-lasting batteries can be replaced for use, about 100+ play time, which ensures your child's uninterrupted usage experience and fun. Charging time of 2-3 hours, with USB charging cable and screwdriver to meet disassembly and installation needs
  • Great gifts for boys girls - Amphibious remote control car, designed for RC toy car hobbyist, stylish, fun and durable. Multiple rc cars can be raced together and used on all-terrains, provide kids hours of outdoor fun. Classic pickup truck shape design off-road RC car is a popular children's toy, loved by kids. Monster truck toys for kids is an fun educational toy. Ideal kids birthdays, Christmas and New Year's gifts, great kids toys for boys girls

It is a remarkable vehicle-control demonstration, and a useful preview of what software-controlled electric powertrains and active suspension can do. It is not a reason to drive into potholes or road spikes, and it is not proof of Level 4 or Level 5 self-driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the BYD U9 jump?

The U9 uses BYD’s DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System, which can rapidly manage vertical body movement and suspension force. Its four independently controlled electric motors also help coordinate traction and vehicle motion. BYD says the system has up to 75 mm of adjustable suspension travel, peak single-axis lifting speed of 500 mm/s and instantaneous lifting force exceeding one tonne.

Is the BYD U9 fully self-driving?

The video shows the U9 completing a driverless or apparently unmanned run on a prepared test road. It does not provide enough information to establish Level 4 or Level 5 autonomy, unrestricted self-driving or the exact ADAS and supervision systems used.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Can the BYD U9 safely jump potholes or road spikes in everyday driving?

No. The jump was performed in a controlled demonstration, and BYD has not established that owners can use the maneuver on public roads. A real pothole or spike strip can have unpredictable geometry, traffic and landing conditions, while repeated jumps could place severe loads on the vehicle.

How much does the YANGWANG U9 cost?

BYD launched the YANGWANG U9 in China in February 2024 at an announced price of 1.68 million RMB. That is the Chinese launch price and should not be treated as a universal current price or confirmed price in other markets.

The Bottom Line

Bottom line: The U9’s jump is a controlled BYD demonstration of DiSus-X active suspension and four-motor torque control. “Driverless” describes the filmed run; it does not establish general-purpose autonomous driving or a production-ready jump feature for public roads.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.