Xiaomi YU7: Xiaomi’s first electric SUV takes on the Tesla Model Y

Xiaomi has officially presented its first electric SUV, the YU7, at the brand’s 15th anniversary event in Beijing. It is the company’s second car after the SU7 saloon - a major commercial success in its first year on sale.

The YU7 enters a crowded segment, but the clear benchmark is the Tesla Model Y, the world’s best-selling car in 2023 and 2024. Xiaomi is positioning its challenger around bold styling, extensive technology and strong performance.

Three versions

Once it reaches the market - expected in July and, at least initially, only in China - the YU7 will be offered in three trims: Standard, Pro and Max.

The YU7 Standard uses a rear-mounted motor producing 235 kW (320 cv), delivering 0 to 100 km/h in 5,88s. It comes with a 96,3 kWh LFP lithium-ion battery, which Xiaomi quotes at 835 km of range. As usual, these figures are measured under the CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle), which is more lenient than the WLTP cycle used in Europe.

Moving up, the YU 7 Pro adds a 130 kW (177 cv) front motor. Combined maximum output rises to 365 kW (496 cv), while claimed range drops to 770 km (CLTC). The 0 to 100 km/h sprint is completed in 4,27s.

At the top of the line, the Xiaomi YU7 Max features a dual-motor set-up with 220 kW (299 cv) on the front axle and (288 kW) 392 cv at the rear, for a combined maximum of 508 kW (691 cv). Beyond the extra power, it also switches battery chemistry to NMC (higher energy density) and increases capacity to 101,7 kWh. Quoted range is 760 km.

It hits 100 km/h in just 3,2s and has a top speed of 253 km/h. The other versions “top out” at 240 km/h.

The electrical system is based on an 800 V architecture, enabling ultra-rapid charging that can add around 620 km of range in only 15 minutes.

Fluid, elegant lines

In terms of design, the family resemblance to the Xiaomi SU7 is clear. The SUV adopts similarly smooth, contemporary surfaces, with flush door handles and LED lighting that includes a continuous light bar across the rear.

Inside, the headline feature is the 1,1 m panoramic “HyperVision” display, combining three mini-LED panels across the upper dashboard area, alongside a 16,1″ central screen.

On the technology front, the YU7 also includes an advanced assisted-driving system, using roof-mounted LiDAR and 4D millimetre-wave radars to deliver precise support.

More expensive than the Tesla Model Y

Xiaomi has said it plans to begin selling the YU7 in China in July of 2025. Final pricing has not yet been confirmed but, contrary to expectations, it is estimated to be substantially more expensive than the Model Y.

Indications suggest the YU7 range could be roughly 7750 euros to 9030 euros above the Tesla Model Y’s base price in China, which sits at around 34 thousand euros. That gap may also point to broader ambitions for how the Chinese brand wants to position the vehicle.

An expansion into international markets has not been ruled out, with further developments potentially coming in 2027.