Cover Xiaomi YU7 introduces three paint finishes inspired by nature: Emerald Green, Titanium Silver and Lava Orange. (Photo: Xiaomi)
Xiaomi YU7 introduces three paint finishes inspired by nature: Emerald Green, Titanium Silver and Lava Orange. (Photo: Xiaomi)
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The Xiaomi YU7 has the looks of a Ferrari SUV, the sticker price of a Tesla Model Y and an 800 km range
From being a smartphone and consumer electronics manufacturer, Xiaomi took a bold leap when it announced its entry into EV manufacturing with the launch of the SU7 EV sports sedan. The SU7’s sleek design, advanced features and dynamic performance immediately put Xiaomi as a serious EV maker on the strength of just one model alone. Almost out of nowhere, the SU7 was quick to get in the lane of other makers such as BYD, Tesla and even Porsche.
Following the path carved by the success of the SU7, Xiaomi has announced the YU7, a high-performance luxury electric SUV. The YU7 is scheduled to officially launch by the end of June in China when it goes on sale with an estimated starting price of US$35,000. The YU7 higher pricing suggests it is going well into the premium crossover SUV segment.
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Designed with the DNA of the SU7 sports sedan
Above The YU7 SUV shares similar DNA and design language with the SU7 sports sedan. (Photo: Xiaomi)
Above The Xiaomi YU7's taillight features downward-angled corners with sharp nighttime visibility. (Photo: Xiaomi)
The YU7 SUV shares similar DNA and design language with the SU7 sports sedan. (Photo: Xiaomi)
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As an all-new model in Xiaomi’s lineup, the YU7 shares a similar design language with its sedan stablemate but differentiates itself with new “water drop” design headlights and halo taillights for better visibility.
The YU7’s dimensions and a 3-metre wheelbase put it in the mid-to-large SUV category and make it slightly larger than a Tesla Model Y. With a coupe-like silhouette and a low roofline borrowed from the SU7, the YU7 bears a passing resemblance to another high-performance luxury SUV, the Ferrari Purosangue.
Meanwhile, its halo taillight, a distinctive Xiaomi EV brand element, has evolved into a cleaner and more sculpted appearance with downward-angled corners that enhance the SUV’s muscular rear profile. It emits ultra-red light, which makes it more visible at night.
Slicing the wind with advanced aerodynamics
Above The YU7's extremely low drag coefficient gives it an extra 59 km of range. (Photo: Xiaomi)
The YU7's extremely low drag coefficient gives it an extra 59 km of range. (Photo: Xiaomi)
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Starting with the clamshell aluminium hood with unibody construction, every aspect of the YU7 is designed with aerodynamics in mind. It has an advanced multi-duct architecture with 10 aerodynamic intakes and 19 functional air vents for managing airflow.
The YU7 also features an active grille system that can automatically adjust 100 louvres for lowering drag. When braking, the active grill fully opens to create more drag, adding stopping power. An all-new electric-flush door handle further smoothens the door profile while in transit. All these aerodynamic improvements add 59 kilometres in estimated range.
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From not-so-basic to top tier
Above The YU7 will come in three variants with RWD and AWD powertrains (Photo: Xiaomi)
The YU7 will come in three variants with RWD and AWD powertrains (Photo: Xiaomi)
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The electric SUV will come in three variants: the Standard, Pro and Max. The entry-level Standard model offers up to 835 km in range under optimal conditions with its 96.3 kWh battery and a single motor. This makes the YU7 one of the longest-ranged electric SUVs in the mid-to-large size segment. The rear-wheel-drive model features a single motor for accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.88 seconds with a top speed of 240 km/h.
The mid-range YU7 Pro has a dual-motor with an all-wheel drive system and an acceleration time of 4.3 seconds. The top-tier Max version has supercar acceleration with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 3.23 seconds. Both top-spec models still have impressive range with 760 km for the Pro and 770 km for the Max.
Advanced driving assist and tech
Above Besides the main 16.1-inch screen, the YU7 has a 1.1-metre-long screen just below the windshield area that can display various information. (Photo: Xiaomi)
Besides the main 16.1-inch screen, the YU7 has a 1.1-metre-long screen just below the windshield area that can display various information. (Photo: Xiaomi)
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The YU7 is equipped with the latest generation of the NVIDIA Drive AGX Thor in-vehicle computing platform for massive computing power. With the YU7’s LiDAR, the vehicle can see obstacles up to 200 metres in dark environments. Seven cameras and a 4D millimetre-wave radar help the YU7 perform advanced assisted driving functions in challenging weather conditions.
Inside the YU7 is a smart cockpit with a Xiaomi HyperVision panoramic display that stretches the entire length of the windshield’s lower portion. The dynamic 1.1-metre-long screen, which is separate from the 16.1-inch main display, offers instrumentation readouts, navigation, real-time traffic conditions and media controls.
The electric SUV race
Above The YU7 has advanced driving assist features powered by an Nvidia Drive AGX Thor in-vehicle computing platform. (Photo: Xiaomi)
The YU7 has advanced driving assist features powered by an Nvidia Drive AGX Thor in-vehicle computing platform. (Photo: Xiaomi)
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As a popular vehicle class, the Xiaomi SUVs belong in a very competitive category. While being positioned as a challenger to the Tesla Model Y, the YU7 will also have to face other models from Chinese manufacturers such as Nio, AITO, Li Auto and BYD. When it is released globally, it will have to compete with electric SUVs from Porsche, Kia, Hyundai and Audi.
To Xiaomi’s credit, the YU7’s impressive performance specifications, competitive pricing and advanced technology features position it as a serious challenger to established players. The YU7’s aggressive styling, spacious interior, multiple powertrain options and seamless ecosystem connectivity also work to Xiaomi’s advantage as it leverages its experience as a technology company.
Can Xiaomi lead the SUV charge?
As the EV market continues to evolve rapidly, the YU7’s success will largely depend on Xiaomi's ability to scale production, maintain quality and meet domestic demand while expanding beyond its home market. However, the YU7’s strong combination of features, performance and value could make it a significant player in the global electric SUV market, and help Xiaomi break into the EV big leagues.
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