Xiaomi has officially launched the YU7 GT, a high-performance electric SUV delivering 990 horsepower through dual motors, setting a new production SUV lap record at Germany’s Nurburgring Nordschleife, and entering the premium performance market at a starting price of 389,900 yuan (about $57,290).
Background
The YU7 GT debuted at a dedicated launch event on May 21, 2026, alongside the updated standard YU7. According to CnEVPost, the GT variant represents Xiaomi’s most aggressive push into the performance segment, priced 156,400 yuan above the standard YU7’s 233,500 yuan starting price — a 67% premium that Xiaomi justifies with significantly upgraded hardware and track-focused engineering.
Xiaomi’s automotive division has been rapidly scaling since the SU7 sedan launch in March 2024. The company delivered 36,702 vehicles in April 2026, a 28.4% year-over-year increase and 71.2% month-over-month growth, according to BYDToday’s coverage of Xiaomi’s May deliveries. The YU7 GT is positioned to capture buyers in the 400,000-500,000 yuan segment who want both daily usability and track capability.
Key Numbers and Details
The YU7 GT is powered by Xiaomi’s next-generation HyperEngine V8s EVO dual-motor system producing 738 kW (990 horsepower), propelling the 5,015 mm SUV from zero to 100 km/h in 2.92 seconds with a top speed of 300 km/h. The CLTC-rated range is 705 kilometers on a single charge.
The headline-grabbing achievement is the YU7 GT’s Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time of 7 minutes 22.755 seconds, officially certified as the fastest production SUV ever around the legendary German circuit. This beats the previous record held by the Audi RS Q8 Performance at 7:36.698 and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT at 7:38.925, per CarNewsChina.
| Spec | YU7 GT | Standard YU7 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (from) | 389,900 RMB (~$57,290) | 233,500 RMB (~$34,350) |
| Power | 738 kW / 990 HP | Lower output |
| 0-100 km/h | 2.92 seconds | Slower |
| Top Speed | 300 km/h | Lower |
| CLTC Range | 705 km | Longer (focus on range) |
| Wheelbase | 3,000 mm | 3,000 mm |
Industry Impact
Xiaomi’s Nurburgring record directly challenges established European performance brands on their home turf. The 7:22.755 lap time is not just a marketing exercise — it demonstrates that Chinese automakers can match or exceed Western engineering benchmarks in the most demanding performance metrics. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun described the YU7 GT as “designed for modern elite drivers,” positioning it against the Porsche Cayenne and Audi RS Q8 rather than domestic competitors.
The YU7 GT’s Jiaolong Chassis Master Edition features dual-valve CDC dampers and a closed dual-chamber air spring system, complemented by a large carbon fiber rear spoiler and optional 24K gold carbon fiber badges — details that underscore Xiaomi’s aspiration to compete in the luxury performance space traditionally dominated by European brands.
What’s Next
Xiaomi is expected to begin YU7 GT deliveries in June 2026, with the first production unit already donated to the Beijing Auto Museum. The broader YU7 family — including the standard version that recently received its major update — is likely to become Xiaomi’s volume driver, while the GT serves as a halo product to elevate the brand’s perceived value and technical credibility.
Why It Matters Globally
The Xiaomi YU7 GT’s Nürburgring record and competitive pricing at $57,290 demonstrates that Chinese EV makers can now compete with European performance SUVs on both lap times and value. The YU7 GT’s 990 hp tri-motor setup, 800V architecture, and 705 km CLTC range match or exceed offerings from Porsche, Audi, and Mercedes at half the price. For global markets, this signals that China’s EV industry has moved beyond budget segments into the premium performance space — a development that will intensify competition for established luxury brands as Xiaomi expands exports.
FAQ
What is the Nürburgring lap record for the YU7 GT?
The Xiaomi YU7 GT completed the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes 34.931 seconds, making it the fastest production SUV on the legendary German track. The lap was certified by Nürburgring officials.
How much does the Xiaomi YU7 GT cost?
The YU7 GT starts at 389,900 RMB (approximately $57,290), positioning it competitively against European performance SUVs that typically cost two to three times more for comparable performance specifications.
What are the YU7 GT’s key specifications?
The YU7 GT features a tri-motor setup producing 990 hp, 800V high-voltage architecture, CLTC range of 705 km, and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in approximately 2.8 seconds. It is Xiaomi’s second vehicle after the SU7 sedan.
