Introduction to Xiaomi’s Electric Sedan
The company best known for producing affordable smartphones and other consumer electronics, Xiaomi, has made the fastest electric sedan to lap the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack. In October 2024, Xiaomi unveiled the prototype SU7 Ultra, which achieved a lap time of 6 minutes and 46.874 seconds on the 12.944-mile track.
The Prototype SU7 Ultra
The prototype SU7 Ultra was a stripped-out, carbon-fiber-bodied beast with a full set of racing wheels and slicks, specifically tuned for the Nordschleife track. It featured an all-wheel-drive system with dual HyperEngine V8s and one HyperEngine V6, producing 1,525 horsepower and 1,305 lb-ft of torque. The electric motors, dubbed V8s and V6s, can reach a staggering 27,200 rpm.
The Nürburgring Nordschleife Track
The Nordschleife track is a challenging 12.944-mile course with 73 corners, significant elevation changes, and high-speed straights. It’s a proving ground for car manufacturers to demonstrate their vehicles’ capabilities. A sub 7.5-minute lap time is considered a benchmark for excellence.
The Production SU7 Ultra
In April 2025, Xiaomi introduced a fully street-legal production version of the SU7 Ultra. The production model achieved a lap time of 7:04.957, topping out at 217 mph on the long Döttinger Höhe straight. The production SU7 Ultra features a similar design to the prototype, with a carbon fiber body on an aluminum chassis, producing 1,525 hp. However, it has a different suspension setup and comes equipped with street-legal Pirelli P Zero 5 tires.
Comparison to Other Electric Vehicles
The production SU7 Ultra weighs around 5,200 lb, which is significantly heavier than the prototype. Despite this, it still managed to beat the previous record holder, the Rimac Nevera, by less than three-tenths of a second. The SU7 Ultra’s impressive performance can be attributed to its advanced technology, including a 490-kW fast-charging system that can recharge the battery from 10-80% in just 11 minutes.
Pricing and Availability
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is priced at around $74,000, which is approximately one-fifth of the cost of the Rimac Nevera. However, it’s currently only available in China, making it difficult for international buyers to get their hands on one.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has set a new benchmark for electric vehicles, demonstrating exceptional performance and capabilities. Its record-breaking lap time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife track is a testament to the company’s innovative approach to electric vehicle design and technology. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how other manufacturers respond to Xiaomi’s impressive achievement. The current top 5 EV production list at the Nürburgring Nordschleife track stands as follows:
- Xiaomi SU7 Ultra: 7:04.957
- Rimac Nevera: 7:05.298
- Porsche Taycan Turbo GT: 7:07.55
- Tesla Model S Plaid (Track Pack): 7:25.2
- Porsche Taycan Turbo S: 7:33.3
The Mercedes AMG ONE remains the top dog with a 6:29.090 lap time, but the McMurtry Spéirling is expected to give it a run for its money in the future.
