The prototype of a Chinese electric car from Xiaomi has set a new lap record on the Nürburgring race track. The SU7 Ultra vehicle completed the circuit in six minutes and 46.874 seconds and thus secured the title of the fastest four-door car on this demanding route, said Xiaomi managing director Lei Jun (54) on the Chinese social media platform Weibo on Tuesday. The production model of the car is expected to be presented at an upcoming company event.
“As a newcomer to the automotive industry, Xiaomi has shown great determination and courage by taking on the Nürburgring challenge with its first car,” Lei wrote. The 20.8 kilometer long Nürburgring has been the automotive industry’s ultimate testing ground since 1927.
The Model S Plaid from Tesla completed the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2023 in seven minutes and 25.231 seconds. Xiaomi’s competitor Nio also set a lap record at the Nürburgring in 2017 with its ET9.
The Chinese smartphone giant, which is expanding its business beyond its core business, entered the highly competitive electric vehicle market in March with its SU7 series, positioning itself as a direct competitor to Tesla.
Tesla and its Chinese rivals are vying to take on the luxury sports cars of the past and demonstrate their technology and innovation prowess.