Xiaomi has claimed another milestone in the automotive world after its upcoming YU7 GT electric SUV set a new lap record at the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany.
Driven by Xiaomi’s chief test driver Ren Zhoucan, the high-performance electric SUV completed the demanding track in 7 minutes and 34.931 seconds, surpassing the previous benchmark held by Audi.
The new time edges past the Audi RS Q8 Performance, which previously recorded a lap of 7 minutes and 36.698 seconds. Xiaomi’s SUV also outperformed the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, which completed the circuit in 7 minutes and 38.925 seconds.
Modified Setup Used for Record Attempt
Although the YU7 GT is classified as a production electric SUV, the vehicle used for the Nürburgring run reportedly featured several modifications to reduce weight and improve performance. These included removing the rear seats and installing a lightweight package.
Even with those adjustments, the achievement marks a significant milestone for Xiaomi’s growing automotive division, particularly as the company seeks to position itself alongside established European performance brands.
Xiaomi Pushes Into the Luxury EV Segment
The Nürburgring result forms part of Xiaomi’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the premium electric vehicle market. The company has increasingly focused on performance engineering and driving dynamics as it expands beyond consumer electronics.
The Xiaomi YU7 GT was officially unveiled in China on Thursday, ahead of its commercial launch. Early specifications suggest the SUV will feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup capable of producing a combined output of 738 kW, equivalent to 1,003 horsepower.
According to Xiaomi, the SUV can reach a top speed of 300 km/h and is equipped with a 101.7 kWh battery pack. The company estimates a driving range of up to 705 kilometres under the Chinese CLTC testing cycle.