Xiaomi YU7 Electric SUV Targets Tesla Model Y with 681bhp Under £30k

Xiaomi YU7 Electric SUV Targets Tesla Model Y with 681bhp Under £30k image

Xiaomi unveiled its YU7 SUV at the company’s ‘New Beginnings’ event in Beijing – positioning the electric vehicle as a direct competitor to Tesla’s Model Y.

The Chinese tech giant announced three trim levels for the YU7: Standard, Pro, and Max. The entry-level rear-wheel drive Standard starts at 253,500 Chinese yuan (around £25,800).

The mid-tier all-wheel drive Pro carries a CNY 279,900 price tag (£28,500). The flagship high-performance AWD Max tops out at CNY 329,900 (£33,500).

Pricing could shift based on political climate changes.

Performance and Battery Specifications

All YU7 models use 800V electric architecture. Xiaomi will offer 94.3kWh and 101kWh battery options across the lineup.

The Standard RWD delivers 519 miles of range on China’s CLTC testing cycle. Both AWD variants – Pro and Max – achieve 478 miles per charge.

Charging speeds hit impressive marks. Xiaomi claims the YU7 charges from 10% to 80% in just 12 minutes, adding 385 miles in 15 minutes.

Each YU7 gets an upgraded HyperEngine V6 Plus electric motor. Xiaomi hasn’t released power figures for all trims – only the Max variant’s specs are public.

The YU7 Max produces 681 horsepower with a 157mph top speed. It hits 62mph in 3.23 seconds.

Chassis and Design Elements

The suspension setup uses double wishbone front geometry paired with five-link independent rear suspension. The system includes dual-chamber air springs and adjustable dampers throughout.

Four-piston Brembo fixed calipers handle braking duties on all four corners.

Styling draws heavily from Xiaomi’s SU7 sedan, adapting those design cues to SUV proportions. Wheel options include 19-inch diamond cut alloys or 21-inch forged units.

Nine color choices are available – including Lava Orange and Emerald Green finishes.

The YU7 offers 687-liter boot space plus a 141-liter front trunk.

Technology Integration

Xiaomi’s tech background shows throughout the cabin. Dual 80-watt wireless charging pads accommodate phones, while an oversized infotainment screen dominates the dashboard.

Nine magnetic mounting points let passengers attach accessories like glasses cases and action cameras.

Higher trim levels include a built-in smart fridge and smart-dimming panoramic glass roof. Apple CarPlay now works alongside Xiaomi’s native software – Apple Watch users can control vehicle functions independently.

The company developed ‘Motion Sickness Relief Mode’ in partnership with Huasham Hospital and Beijing Tongren Hospital. This feature optimizes chassis settings for smoother rides, reportedly reducing motion sickness by 51%.

Safety and Autonomous Features

Advanced driver assistance systems rely on 11 HD cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Nvidia’s latest AGX Thor chip processes the data stream.

An optional 4K reversing camera enhances parking maneuvers.

Market response has been swift. According to industry reports, Xiaomi secured approximately 240,000 orders within 18 hours of the YU7’s announcement.

The SUV represents Xiaomi’s second major automotive launch following the SU7 sedan. Both vehicles demonstrate the company’s shift from consumer electronics into electric mobility.

Nash Peterson avatar
Nash Peterson
4 months ago