
Article By:
The Driven
2026-05-09 21:58:32
Porsche reclaims fastest electric sedan title at Germany’s iconic Nürburgring track
Summary By: eMotoX
Porsche has reclaimed the record for the fastest lap by a four-door production electric car at Germany’s Nürburgring circuit, surpassing the previous mark set by China’s Xiaomi last year. The German manufacturer achieved this feat with a specially equipped version of the Taycan Turbo GT fitted with the Manthey Kit, completing the nearly 21-kilometre Nordschleife in just under 6 minutes 56 seconds. This new time shaved around 10 seconds off Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra, a tri-motor electric sedan that had held the title since June 2025.
The Manthey Kit, developed in collaboration with Porsche’s Manthey performance division, significantly enhances the Taycan’s aerodynamics, chassis, and braking systems. Key upgrades include a large carbon-fibre rear wing, front diffuser, and aero discs that triple downforce compared to the standard model, alongside suspension tuning and lighter forged wheels with wider, street-legal tyres. Porsche also increased the battery’s maximum discharge current, enabling a short “Attack Mode” boost delivering 730 kW of power, which contributed to the improved lap time.
Reactions to Porsche’s record have been mixed, with some praising the brand’s engineering prowess and others questioning the legitimacy of the record due to the extensive modifications involved. Critics argue that the heavily altered Taycan Turbo GT with Manthey Kit no longer fits the strict definition of a production car, especially when compared to Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra, which reportedly lapped the track in under 6 minutes 23 seconds in prototype form and costs significantly less. This ongoing rivalry highlights the competitive and rapidly evolving nature of high-performance electric sedans.
Looking ahead, the contest between Porsche and Xiaomi is expected to continue, with both manufacturers pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance on one of the world’s most demanding circuits. Porsche’s latest achievement underscores its commitment to electric motorsport innovation, yet the challenge posed by Xiaomi’s more affordable and arguably quicker model suggests that the battle for the fastest electric sedan crown is far from settled. Enthusiasts and industry watchers alike will be keen to see how each brand responds in the coming months.
