Xiaomi’s upcoming YU7 GT has just become the world’s fastest production SUV around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, with a lap time of 7:34.931. The record was achieved with Xiaomi chief test driver Ren Zhoucan behind the wheel.
Previously, the record for the fastest production SUV was held by the Audi RS Q8 Performance with a lap time of 7:36.698. The second-best time prior to the YU7 GT taking the crown was achieved by the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT – 7:38.925.
Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun praised the YU7 GT’s achievement, stressing how the higher center of gravity in SUVs makes posting an ideal time on the famous circuit highly difficult.
Xiaomi will fully unveil the YU7 GT on May 21, but the company has already revealed that it has a dual-motor system delivering 738kW or 990hp. It has carbon-ceramic brake discs and was jointly developed by Chinese and European experts. It has a top speed of 186 mph and a range of up to 438 miles under the optimistic CLTC testing conditions.
The YU7 GT is expected to start at around CNY 400,000 (approximately £42,800 at the current exchange rates). The ‘vanilla’, non-GT YU7 model launched last June starting at CNY 253,500 (£27,100).
Xiaomi has already deployed YU7 GT display vehicles to 268 stores in 82 Chinese cities, and it’s recently introduced the striking Crimson Red colorway.