Is Xiaomi’s YU7 SUV the Next Tesla Killer? All You Need to Know About This $40,000 Electric Beauty

Xiaomi Enters the Electric Vehicle Market with YU7 SUV
Unveiling a New Contender in the Luxury EV Space
Will It Be the Next Value Champion?

Once known primarily as a budget electronics brand, Xiaomi is making waves in the electric vehicle market. This year, its entry into the EV space marked a bold new direction for the company. Despite early hiccups with its debut sedan, the SU7, which had design flaws at launch, Xiaomi stunned critics when it broke the lap-time record for a four-door sedan at the Nürburgring just months later.

Xiaomi is following up with its first electric SUV, the YU7. Prototype sightings had been fueling speculation, and the official reveal has not disappointed. The YU7 boasts a sleek, sporty design reminiscent of the Ferrari Purosangue. While it hasn’t been fully unveiled, key specifications and pricing details have already surfaced, generating significant buzz.

A Stylish Mid-Size SUV With Influences From Luxury Brands

On December 9, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released photos of the YU7, showcasing its striking design. While the YU7 shares a family resemblance to the SU7 sedan, it asserts its SUV identity with a raised stance and a muscular silhouette. Design cues like the shoulder line on the rear fender and wheel arches are reminiscent of the Ferrari Purosangue, further cementing its sporty appeal.

The LED headlamps are reminiscent of the McLaren 750S, just like the SU7, and the ducktail spoiler and connected tail lamps seem to have taken cues from Aston Martin. The body size of the YU7 is 4,999 mm (196.8 inches) in length, 1,996 mm (78.6 inches) in width, and 1,600 mm (63.0 inches) in height, similar to the SU7 except for the overall height. As for the wheelbase, it is expected to provide ample space with a length of 3,000 mm (118.1 inches).

Performance That Competes With Tesla’s Model Y

The interior of the YU7 has not been revealed yet. However, it is expected to adopt the minimalistic design of the SU7, along with a 16.1-inch large center display and a two-row infotainment system. The lidar sensor mounted on the roof is part of the hardware required for level 3 self-driving. The power performance is said to be more powerful than that of the SU7.

It has dual motors that produce a maximum output of 295 horsepower on the front wheels and 386 horsepower on the rear wheels, providing a total output of 681 horsepower. It surpasses the 664 horsepower of the SU7 Max, giving it an advantage over its rival, the Tesla Model Y. The battery pack is known to be provided by CATL, but the related specifications have not been disclosed yet.

Competitive Pricing (about $40,000) and Market Potential

The SU7 sedan, depending on the specifications, is equipped with 73.6 kWh, 94.3 kWh, or 101 kWh batteries and provides a range of up to 800 km (497 miles) based on CLTC. The YU7, which has a larger and heavier body, is expected to have a slightly shorter range. According to local media, the YU7 is priced at 250,000 to 300,000 yuan ($34,345 to $41,214). Xiaomi plans to launch the new vehicle in mid-next year.