Chinese technology giant Xiaomi is set to shake up the market for electric SUVs with its new YU7 and, frankly the specifications look appealing on paper. After announcing the success of the SU7 sedan, the company is now targeting the highly competitive SUV segment with the most innovative electric vehicle yet.
Three Flavors of Electric Power
The YU7 doesn’t play around in terms of variety. Xiaomi is offering three distinct models, each aimed at various types of drivers. The base model has rear-wheel drive and a robust motor that’s 235kW, and the Pro version is upgraded to all-wheel drive and the capacity of 365kW. However, here’s where things become exciting The high-end Max version produces an impressive 508kW. This is serious Tesla-challenging territory.
The thing that stands out is how even a basic model has an impressive 96.3kWh battery from BYD. There’s no compromising on the essentials in this case, which is refreshing to look at. The top trim Max increases that to the 101.7kWh device from CATL and uses NMC chemical instead of the LFP batteries found in Lower trims.
Performance That Actually Matters
A spec sheet’s numbers are an aspect but the YU7’s speed numbers suggest that the engineers at Xiaomi have done their research. The Max model can sprint to 100kph in 3.23 seconds and achieve the speed of 253kph. Even the basic RWD model isn’t slouchy and can complete the 100-mile sprint with just 5.88 seconds.
The range figures appear competitive as well as the RWD model able to provide 835 km in a single charge, in accordance with the China’s CLTC tests. The AWD models are limited in range to make way for more power, however 760-770km is still a respectable range for high-performance EVs.
Size and Substance
At almost five meters long The YU7 is the perfect size to be a family-friendly SUV. It’s even larger than Xiaomi’s SU7 sedan, and it even surpasses the recently refreshed Tesla Model Y. The 3-meter wheelbase is likely to result in a decent interior but the 2140-2,460kg curb weight suggests that these batteries aren’t very light.
Tech That Actually Works
Xiaomi is throwing some serious technology on the YU7. All models come with the company’s 800V silicon carbide platform which will allow quicker charging speed. They claim that as much as 620km distance is possible to add in just 15 minutes, but in reality charging conditions could be different.
The autonomous driving system appears complete, featuring lidar sensors, radars in 4D, along with the what Xiaomi describes as “anti-glare coated cameras.” Processing power comes from the Nvidia Drive AGX Thor platform running Xiaomi’s own software stack.
Comfort Features That Matter
Inside, Xiaomi is clearly targeting the market that is dominated by premium brands. Front seats are equipped with Nappa leather as well as massage functions, and they can recline to up to 120 degrees to accommodate those long charging stops. Back passengers aren’t left out as well, with seats that recline up to 135 degrees, and their own controls on touchscreens.
The dashboard has the what Xiaomi calls the “HyperVision” display – essentially an 1.1-meter-wide display of LEDs that displays the latest driving information and alerts. It’s the type of technologically-advanced design you’d expect from a company that started its career on smartphones.
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The Tesla Challenge
Industry observers have already positioned the YU7 as an obvious Model Y competitor, and it’s timing couldn’t be more perfect. Tesla is under increasing competition from China from local brands and Xiaomi’s frenzied pricing strategy for the SU7 indicates they’re not afraid to compete with established brands.
There are some growing pains. Recent reports in the media on brake performance issues in the SU7 and a crash that occurred recently caused by the semi-autonomous systems have caused a lot of controversy. Some people are suggesting that this could be the reason Xiaomi did not display the YU7 during the Shanghai Motor Show.
What’s Next
The YU7 is expected to arrive on the market in July 2025. Pricing details yet to be revealed. With the history of Xiaomi’s high-end pricing so don’t be shocked when they fail to meet expectations once more.
If the YU7 is able to live up its impressive specs remains to be seen but one thing is for certain that the segment of electric vehicles has just become more exciting. With well-established players such as Tesla and new Chinese manufacturers all vying for market share, the consumers are the true winners.
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