Xiaomi Enters EV Space with YU7 SUV, Eyeing Tesla Model Y
Xiaomi, a name you might now associate with producing smartphones and smart home devices, is officially stepping into the electric vehicle space. They've just launched their first-ever electric SUV, the YU7, and it's pretty obvious that they've modelled their design around one specific competitor in mind: the Tesla Model Y.
A Familiar But New Design
After giving us a little preview of the design and interior, Xiaomi has finally revealed the YU7. They're calling it a "luxury performance SUV," and you can definitely see some family resemblance to their SU7 sedan. Those signature headlights and swoopy lines on the body definitely make it unmistakably a Xiaomi.
When Can You Get It and How Much Will It Cost
Mark your calendars for July 2025. That's when Xiaomi intends to release the YU7, in the shops, at least at first, in China.
Now, for the interesting bit: the price. Although not yet confirmed, reports indicate that the YU7 will begin in the region of $34,700 to $35,000 (converted). This is very aggressive, especially given Xiaomi's history of offering high value – the super-successful Redmi smartwatches and phones, say. They seem to be trying that same strategy out on the automotive sector, hoping to offer a great deal of EV for a price that would match the Tesla Model Y directly in China.
YU7 vs. Model Y: The Spec Showdown
So how do the Xiaomi YU7 and the Tesla Model Y stack up on paper. Quite favorably, it turns out. Briefly, here's the gist:
- Charging Speed: Because of its 800V powertrain, the YU7 charges considerably faster than the Model Y, at least according to reports. Twice as fast, maybe.
- Battery Size: This is a biggie. The YU7 packs a bigger battery. The Standard RWD and Pro AWD variants will likely feature a 96.3 kWh LFP battery. The top-of-the-line Mi Max variant gets a whopping 101.7 kWh performance ternary battery. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun bragged the YU7 boasts the biggest battery in its class for the money.
- Range: Bigger battery usually equates to greater miles. The Standard RWD YU7 is targeting a remarkable 518 miles on the CLTC cycle (the one used in China). To put that into perspective, the single-motor Model Y manages around 446 miles on the same cycle. Even accounting for the more modest EPA ratings used in the US (CLTC is roughly 25% more generous), the YU7's estimated 390 miles would still likely beat out the US Model Y RWD. Both the dual-motor AWD Pro and performance-oriented Max trims should have amazing range to accompany it.
- Performance: Don't think for a moment that this SUV is all about range. The top-of-the-line 690 HP YU7 Max is a heater. It's aiming for a 0-60 mph time of just 3.2 seconds, right where we'd expect from high-performance electric SUVs.
- Size and Comfort: The YU7 is reported to be larger than the Model Y and will feature air suspension for a smoother, more comfortable ride.
- Interior Tech: Amazingly, Xiaomi seems to be doing away with conventional gauge cluster screens. Instead, they're opting for a Head-Up Display (HUD) that presents information along the driver's whole line of vision.
- Self-Drives Smarts: A 700 TOPS-capable Nvidia Thor processor that is entirely focused on the self-driving capability.
More to Follow
Xiaomi will later reveal all the information on the capabilities of the YU7, including the final prices of the Standard, Pro, and Max versions, closer to its launch in July. It is clear that Xiaomi is not just taking a toe-in-the-water approach to the EV race; they are headfirst with a feature-loaded and interesting SUV.
