Driven by Xiaomi chief test driver Ren Zhoucan, the YU7 GT beat the previous SUV record held by the Audi RS Q8 by 1.76 seconds, according to Motor1.

The result also marked the first time a Chinese driver has posted an official Nürburgring lap time.

The Nurburgring is considered one of the world’s most demanding racetracks and is widely used by automakers to test the performance and durability of high-performance vehicles.

The Xiaomi YU7 GT. Photo courtesy of Xiaomi

Xiaomi did not disclose the YU7 GT’s full Nurburgring test specifications, though it said the vehicle used for the record-setting run was equipped with an optional Track Package, which will be unveiled during the model’s official launch on May 21.

The company set the record on April 2 but announced it only recently ahead of the YU7 GT’s debut.

The smartphone turned EV maker said the vehicle, which CEO Lei Jun previously described as a "pure-blood GT" performance SUV, will feature a dual-motor system producing 738 kW, or 990 hp.

According to Car News China, the SUV has a top speed of 300 kph and a CLTC driving range of 705 km.

The model is expected to start at around 400,000 yuan (US$59,000), according to ArenaEV.