Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis, one of Australia’s wealthiest businessmen and a long-time powerbroker in the NRL, has been confirmed as a buyer of BYD’s limited-run Yangwang U9 Xtreme hypercar.

Politis (below, right), who has led the Roosters in the NRL since the 1990s and built a reputation as a prominent figure in Australian business and sport, is set to become the only Australian owner of the electric flagship. BYD announced the order via its global channels, noting the model is restricted to just 30 examples worldwide.

Politis is also a long-time director of Eagers Automotive, a retail partner of BYD in Australia and the Roosters’ primary jersey sponsor.

The Yangwang U9 Xtreme sits at the extreme end of BYD’s newly established ultra-luxury division, and has already drawn global attention for its performance claims. The track-focused variant has been recorded at a top speed of around 496km/h, making it the fastest production car currently known.

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As WhichCar by Wheels reported last year, U9 Xtreme set a new benchmark as the world’s fastest production car when it achieved an astonishing 496.22 km/h at Germany’s Automotive Testing Papenburg (ATP) oval, eclipsing the previous record of 490.5km/h set by the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+.

Production of the Xtreme version is strictly capped, with each vehicle expected to be individually configured for buyers.

Politis’ purchase comes as BYD weighs a broader push for its high-end Yangwang brand beyond China. While the U9 range has not yet been officially confirmed for Australian sale, there are indications the brand could expand into international markets as part of its global growth plans.

The U9 itself is a four-motor electric supercar, delivering massive outputs through an advanced all-wheel-drive system and supported by BYD’s latest high-voltage architecture.

More extreme still, the Xtreme variant develops significantly higher outputs and is aimed squarely at setting performance benchmarks, including lap times and outright speed records.

Politis has indicated the car will mainly be used for promotion of the brand through BYD dealerships once it arrives in Australia.

While details around delivery timing remain unclear, Politis’ order signals early interest from Australian buyers at the very top end of the market. It also highlights BYD’s ambition to compete in segments traditionally dominated by European hypercar manufacturers.

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