Xiaomi SU7 Ultra prototype : China’s Record-Breaking Nürburgring Super Sedan

 In a moment that sent shockwaves through the global automotive community, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra prototype—a Chinese electric sedan—has etched its name in history by lapping the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a jaw-dropping 6 minutes and 22.091 seconds. That blistering time places it fourth overall in the legendary track’s history, right behind only three purpose-built race cars: the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo, the Volkswagen ID.R, and the iconic Porsche 956 from 1983. Xiaomi’s record-breaking feat isn’t just a remarkable achievement for a newcomer in the EV space—it’s a bold declaration that Chinese electric performance cars are not only here to stay, but they’re here to dominate. The feat, accomplished on April 1st, 2025, marked a staggering 24-second improvement over the brand’s previous lap attempt in 2024, setting the tone for what might be a new era in Nürburgring lap records. Unlike those top three lap holders, the SU7 Ultra prototype is based on a production sedan, albeit in a heavily stripped and caged prototype form. Regardless, the achievement cannot be understated—Xiaomi has outpaced every production supercar ever to set rubber on the Nordschleife.

Powertrain and Performance That Redefine the EV Benchmark

At the core of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra prototype lies a ferociously powerful tri-motor powertrain that churns out an astonishing 1,548 horsepower. That immense power translates into raw, unrelenting acceleration, allowing the car to reach 62 mph in just 1.98 seconds and attain a top speed of 217 mph. Those numbers alone are enough to rival the likes of Rimac, Koenigsegg, and other exotic hyper-EVs. But power is only part of the story—Xiaomi paired its formidable drivetrain with a weight-reduction strategy tailored for track domination. The prototype version that achieved the Nürburgring lap record was stripped of unnecessary components and fitted with a full roll cage for rigidity and safety. It ran on racing slicks for maximum grip and was set up under what Xiaomi described as “optimal conditions,” likely referring to the cool, dry, and slightly overcast weather typical of ideal track-day scenarios. The result was an unmatched level of grip, stability, and performance that allowed it to navigate the Nürburgring’s 20.8 kilometers of undulating tarmac with surgical precision and ballistic speed.

An Elite Company: The Greatest Nürburgring Times in Context

To truly understand the magnitude of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra’s lap time, it’s important to look at the competition. The only three vehicles faster than the SU7 Ultra prototype around the Nürburgring are the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo, the VW ID.R, and the Porsche 956. These cars are not simply fast—they are borderline experimental machines, designed solely to conquer the 'Ring. The Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo, for example, was a no-holds-barred version of a Le Mans prototype, free of any racing regulations. The Volkswagen ID.R was built with one purpose: destroy records, both at Pikes Peak and the Nordschleife. The Porsche 956, though over 40 years old, remains a legend thanks to its Group C pedigree and championship-winning dominance. That a Chinese electric sedan—albeit in prototype form—could even approach the times of these legends is a paradigm shift in how we perceive electric performance cars. More so, it sends a clear signal to legacy manufacturers: the EV arms race is on, and China is not just competing—it’s winning.

Nürburgring Edition: A Road-Legal Tribute to the Record

To celebrate the remarkable achievement, Xiaomi announced a special Nürburgring Edition of the SU7 Ultra sedan—a limited-run, road-legal homage to the prototype that shook the Nordschleife. While it doesn't feature the full stripped-out race configuration, it’s a serious performance machine in its own right. Just 100 units of the Nürburgring Edition will be built, each priced at 814,900 Chinese Yuan, which translates to approximately $114,000. It comes equipped with a roll cage, carbon fiber aerodynamic enhancements including a carbon hood and rear spoiler, and even carbon underbody panels that together generate around 97 pounds of downforce. Inside the cabin, the performance theme continues with Sparco racing bucket seats embroidered with the Nürburgring logo and fitted with six-point harnesses. It’s more than just a cosmetic package—it’s a proper track-focused iteration meant for serious enthusiasts. While not quite as extreme as the record-shattering prototype, this edition brings that spirit to the road, even if it won't ever touch American soil.

Track Package Engineering: More Than Just Marketing

The Nürburgring Edition of the SU7 Ultra isn’t just a dressed-up sedan with carbon accents. Xiaomi has invested in proper motorsport-grade hardware to make sure it lives up to its badge. The car comes standard with the SU7 Ultra’s Track Package, a suite of upgrades that includes Bilstein EVO R height-adjustable coilovers for pinpoint handling, Endless brake pads for enduring track punishment, and a carbon fiber roof that further sheds weight from the top of the vehicle to lower the center of gravity. The wheels are 21-inch lightweight alloys wrapped in Pirelli Trofeo RS tires, one of the grippiest street-legal tires available today. Altogether, these components don’t just suggest performance—they deliver it in a way that brings the Nürburgring experience to the street. This is a car engineered for lap times, corner speeds, and apex clipping, not just straight-line sprints. Xiaomi clearly intended to create a halo car that embodies their growing reputation as a tech-savvy, performance-oriented EV manufacturer.

Inside the Green Hell: Official Recognition and Certification

A Nürburgring lap time of this magnitude isn’t something you simply claim without verification. Xiaomi’s lap was timed and certified under the strict regulations set by the Nürburgring’s official timekeeping standards. That means it was recorded over a full 20.8-kilometer flying lap and verified with calibrated timing equipment under the watch of a notary. Additionally, TÜV Rheinland was on site to ensure the car’s mechanical integrity and compliance within its testing category. While the car is classified under the “Prototypes/Pre-Production Models” category, its time stands tall among the greatest ever recorded at the Ring. Xiaomi has also released onboard footage of the lap, showcasing not just the raw speed of the SU7 Ultra but also the extraordinary control and confidence with which it attacked the Nürburgring’s unforgiving corners. It’s a visual testament to both driver skill and vehicle engineering, and it’s available for public viewing on the Nürburgring’s official YouTube channel—a transparency move few manufacturers dare to follow.

A Statement of Intent from China’s New EV Superpower

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Nürburgring lap is more than a one-off stunt or a marketing campaign. It’s a milestone that confirms China’s evolving status in the global automotive hierarchy. For decades, Chinese cars were dismissed as inferior copies or inexpensive commuters. That stigma is evaporating at a rapid pace, replaced by cutting-edge electric vehicles that are not only technologically advanced but now also blisteringly fast. Xiaomi’s push into the automotive world, particularly with the SU7 lineup, shows how tech giants in China are seamlessly bridging the gap between consumer electronics and high-performance EVs. With deep pockets, in-house software ecosystems, and strong battery R&D capabilities, these companies are uniquely positioned to leapfrog traditional automakers. The SU7 Ultra isn’t just fast—it’s symbolic of China’s relentless pursuit of automotive excellence and performance legitimacy. It’s a reminder that the future of speed, innovation, and motorsport might not come from Germany or Italy, but from Beijing or Shanghai.

Conclusion: A New Benchmark for Electric Performance Sedans

In summary, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra’s lap time of 6:22.091 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife has changed the game for electric performance sedans—and for Chinese automakers more broadly. It shattered preconceived notions, leapt over legacy supercars, and positioned Xiaomi as a genuine contender in the high-performance EV segment. The stripped-out prototype that set the record is a symbol of the brand’s capability, while the Nürburgring Edition road car serves as a tangible, driveable celebration of that engineering feat. Though limited to just 100 units and unavailable in the U.S., this car will likely become a collector's item and a landmark moment in the history of automotive performance. More importantly, it sets a new benchmark and forces the industry to reconsider what’s possible from a sedan, from an EV, and from China. The Green Hell has a new master from the East—and it wears a Xiaomi badge. This is more than a headline. It’s the dawn of a new performance era.