Unlikely Nürburgring record set by Chinese SUV
The Xiaomi YU7 GT has become the fastest SUV to lap the Nordschleife course, while also setting a new record without a driver behind the wheel.
Xiaomi has taken the rare accolade of setting two Nürburgring records in a day with the same vehicle, as its YU7 GT SUV notches up multiple honours.
The YU7 GT – equipped with an optional ‘Track Package’ – is now the fastest SUV to lap the 20.832km Nordschleife course, with driver Vincent Radermecker setting a time of seven minutes and 22.755 seconds.
Previously the record was held by the Audi RSQ8 Performance, set in 2024 with a time of seven minutes and 36.698 seconds, meaning the electric YU7 GT was more than 13 seconds quicker than the twin-turbo V8 Audi.
At its heart the YU7 GT is powered by a dual-motor electric drive setup, producing up to 738kW, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 2.92 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 300km/h.
To help keep its significant kerb weight under control, the YU7 GT employs carbon-ceramic Akebono brakes at the front and rear, as well as air suspension with adaptive dampers.
It’s still shy of its more powerful sedan twin, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, which with its own track package managed to lap the circuit in seven minutes and 4.957 seconds, while the record for production EVs is held by the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Manthey Kit, with a time of six minutes and 55.533 seconds.
However, the YU7 GT’s quick lap with Radermecker behind the wheel wasn’t what has drawn the most attention, as the driver was subsequently removed from the car and the SUV set off to set its own time with no one inside.
In what is being claimed as the first officially timed autonomous Nürburgring lap, sans driver the YU7 GT negotiated the circuit’s 73 corners in 10 minutes and 29.483 seconds.
That's more than three minutes slower than with a driver in it, however it now sets a marker for other brands to follow if they want to flex the capability of their autonomous driving systems.
