China’s Xiaomi has added a new model to its YU7 electric SUV range, launching it with the claim of a new SUV record at the Nurburgring.
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The Xiaomi YU7 GT electric SUV has just been launched in China, and claimed the Nürburgring lap record in the process.
The YU7 GT was initially suspected to be a taller-roofed version of the 1138kW, tri-motor SU7 Ultra sedan, but Xiaomi has instead opted for a slightly less potent direction for the SUV.
In production guise, the Xiaomi YU7 GT features a dual-motor powertrain rated at 738kW from its Xiaomi-developed ‘V8s Evo’ electric motors. The rear motor is rated at 450kW and 540Nm while the front motor chips in 288kW and 528Nm.
Acceleration from 0-100km/h is claimed to take 2.92 seconds. Based on lenient Chinese efficiency testing, the YU7 GT’s 101.7kWh battery is rated to cover 705km between charges.
Regular versions of the YU7 GT come equipped with air suspension with continuous damper control and independent height and firmness adjustment, an electronic limited-slip differential, and carbon ceramic brakes with six-piston front and four-piston rear Akebono calipers.
Xiaomi claims the YU7 GT can stop from 100km/h in as little as 32.9 metres, and perform 10 consecutive stops from 180km/h without showing signs of brake fade.
Ahead of its launch, Xiaomi had published a Nürburgring lap record time of 7 minutes, 34.931 seconds, fast enough to take the lap record off the Audi RS Q8 and its previous 7m 36.698s record. Days later, Xiaomi reported that it had smashed its own record by more than 12 seconds, with the YU7 GT now holding a lap record of 7m 22.755s.
The record-setting prototype YU7 GT was fitted with an optional Track Package, which is yet to be released, believed to comprise wider semi-slick tyres, changes to the stability and traction control programming, and further upgraded brakes and suspension.
Compared to the regular YU7 models, the GT gets revised styling with larger front air intakes, wider wheel arch flares, a larger tailgate spoiler, and a prominent rear diffuser. Carbon-fibre elements can be found on the bonnet vents, rear ducktail spoiler, headlight surrounds, and door mirrors.
Buyers can also specify badging in either carbon-fibre or 24-karat gold.
The interior of the YU7 GT comes with heavily bolstered carbon-backed massaging sports seats with 18-way adjustment, and interior trim in nappa leather and Alcantara.
There's also a 16.1-inch infotainment display, and a full-width panoramic display across the base of the windscreen in place of traditional instruments.
Pricing for the Xiaomi YU7 GT in China starts from 389,900 yuan (AUD$80,200), stretching up to 429,900 yuan (AUD$88,450) when fully optioned, with the record-setting Track Package not yet priced.
Xiaomi has previously confirmed its intention to sell cars outside China, including markets like Europe, as early as 2027. Right-hand drive production has not yet been confirmed as part of its expansion plans, ruling out an Australian introduction for the time being.
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Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
