Tesla Faces a Challenge with a Bold Rival: Xiaomi Launches YU7 SUV with 835 km Range

Chinese tech giant enters the electric SUV market with a bold rival to Tesla Model Y, boasting luxury, speed, and long range

Xiaomi, the Chinese tech giant known for its smartphones, has officially entered the electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of its first electric SUV, the Xiaomi YU7. Positioned as a “luxury performance SUV,” the YU7 is set to compete directly with the Tesla Model Y. Its official rollout is expected to begin in July 2025.

With the global demand for electric vehicles on the rise, Xiaomi’s move marks a significant step. While Tesla has been working to dominate markets like India and others, Xiaomi has issued a direct challenge by introducing the YU7, its second EV model after the SU7 sedan, and its first SUV.

Dimensions and Design

The YU7 measures 4,999 mm in length, 1,996 mm in width, 1,600 mm in height, and features a 3,000 mm wheelbase. Its design draws heavily from the SU7 sedan and includes:

• The largest clamshell aluminum hood used in mass production.
• Waterdrop-style headlights.
• “Halo” taillights with ultra-red illumination.

It also features a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.245, which improves the CLTC range by 59 km, enhancing its efficiency in the performance SUV category.

Range and Battery Variants

The YU7 will be available in three variants – Standard, Pro, and Max:

• Standard Variant:
  96.3 kWh battery with a CLTC-certified range of 835 km.
• Pro Variant:
  96.3 kWh battery, 760 km range.
• Max Variant:
  101.7 kWh battery, 770 km range.

Despite having a battery under 100 kWh, the Standard variant offers the longest range among electric SUVs in its class.

Performance and Charging

The YU7 is powered by Xiaomi’s latest HyperEngine V6s Plus, delivering up to 681 bhp. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.23 seconds.

All YU7 models use an advanced 800V silicon carbide platform with a peak voltage of 897V, enabling:

• 10% to 80% charging in 12 minutes.
• Up to 620 km of range in 15 minutes of ultra-fast charging.

Interior and Features

The SUV includes a range of premium features:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Leather seats
• 100% soft-touch interior surfaces
• First mass-market vehicle with a 1.1-meter ultra-wide infotainment screen (Hypervision)

This display offers five modular zones for:

• Instrument readouts
• Media controls
• Time zones
• Weather updates
• Navigation

Additional luxury features include:

• Massage functions in the front seats
• Power-adjustable rear seats
• Up to 1,970 liters of storage space

With the launch of the YU7, Xiaomi is not only entering the EV space but doing so with a bold and competitive offering. Its combination of luxury, performance, and range puts it in direct competition with Tesla, especially the Model Y, and intensifies the race in the global electric SUV market.