Xiaomi’s upcoming YU7 GT just beat every SUV ever around Nürburgring

Get the Energy newsletter
Daily energy & climate — solar, EVs, oil, the policy fights and tech bets shaping the transition. Free.
- Xiaomi unveiled the YU7 GT, a high‑performance SUV with 990 hp and a 186 mph top speed, slated for a Chinese launch at $66‑74 k.
- Xiaomi recorded a 7:34.931 lap time on the Nürburgring on April 2, beating the previous 7:36.698 record held by the Audi Q8 RS.
- Xiaomi equipped the YU7 GT with a “track package” that includes safety modifications such as a roll cage and possibly stripped rear seats, prompting scrutiny over production‑versus‑prototype status.
- Audi Q8 RS held the prior Nürburgring SUV record with a 7:36.698 lap set in 2024, which Xiaomi’s new time surpassed by almost two seconds.
- Porsche Cayenne GT Turbo previously held the SUV record at 7:38.925 before being overtaken by Audi and now Xiaomi.
Why it matters: At $66‑74 k, Xiaomi’s YU7 GT’s 7:34.931 Nürburgring lap gives Chinese EVs a performance edge, forcing European brands to accelerate development amid stalled electrification and heightened market pressure from fast‑growing Chinese tech firms.




