With 681 horsepower and Ferrari-like aesthetics, Xiaomi’s YU7 proves the EV game in China is heating up fast.
Xiaomi is doubling down on its ambitions in the electric vehicle market with the reveal of its YU7 SUV, a sleek and powerful electric crossover designed to challenge the Tesla Model Y. Following the success of its SU7 sedan, Xiaomi’s second EV is shaping up to be a strong contender in China’s increasingly competitive EV market.
The YU7 takes design cues from its SU7 sibling, but it embraces the SUV format with a taller, more muscular stance. Many have compared its look to a mix of a Ferrari Purosangue and a McLaren 750S. It features sharp LED headlights, pronounced wheel arches, and a sleek rear with full-width LED taillights and a sporty ducktail spoiler. Measuring nearly five meters in length, it’s similar in size to the SU7 but slightly taller, giving it a commanding road presence.
Under the hood, the YU7 packs serious power. A dual-motor setup delivers a combined 681 horsepower, outpacing the SU7 Max’s 664 horsepower. This allows the SUV to combine performance with practicality, making it a compelling choice for those who want speed and utility in one package. While Xiaomi hasn’t revealed exact battery details yet, it’s likely the YU7 will use a CATL battery, similar to the SU7’s setup. The sedan offers up to 497 miles of range on a full charge, and while the YU7 may fall slightly short of that due to its larger size, it’s still expected to deliver impressive mileage.
Inside, Xiaomi hasn’t shared many details yet, but the YU7 is likely to feature a high-tech, minimalist interior similar to the SU7. This could include a 16.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, rear-passenger displays, and advanced autonomous driving capabilities, highlighted by the roof-mounted LiDAR sensor.
Pricing for the YU7 is expected to start between ¥250,000 and ¥300,000 ($34,400–$41,300), making it a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y. For comparison, Xiaomi’s SU7 sedan starts at ¥215,900 ($29,700), significantly undercutting the Tesla Model 3. With its competitive pricing and robust specs, the YU7 is poised to make a strong impact in the Chinese EV market.
Production of the YU7 will take place at Xiaomi’s Beijing facility, the same plant where the company recently celebrated building 100,000 SU7 units, months ahead of schedule. Xiaomi’s rapid progress in the EV sector is remarkable, considering the company’s automotive division didn’t even exist three years ago. The YU7’s launch is set for mid-2025, and it’s expected to attract significant attention as Xiaomi continues to establish itself as a major player in the EV space.
As competition in the electric SUV market heats up, Xiaomi is positioning itself as a serious rival to established brands. With the YU7’s stylish design, powerful performance, and competitive pricing, it’s clear that Xiaomi is aiming to dominate the EV market. The question now is whether Tesla and other brands can keep up with this fast-moving newcomer.