Xiaomi has officially unveiled its second electric vehicle, the YU7 SUV. The new Chinese automaker was not shy about marketing the YU7 as a direct competitor to Tesla’s Model Y in China, launching it with a starting price of RMB 253,500 (C$48,100/US$35,300), undercutting the entry-level Model Y by RMB 10,000 (C$1,900/US$1,390).
The launch generated immediate excitement. According to Xiaomi’s announcement on Weibo, the YU7 secured more than 200,000 pre-orders within just three minutes of pre-sales opening, signaling strong consumer demand and confidence in Xiaomi’s growing EV portfolio.
Trim Levels, Pricing, and Performance
Xiaomi is offering the YU7 in three variants, all of which boast competitive specs and performance:
| Variant | Price | Powertrain | Battery Type | Range (CLTC) | 0–100 km/h Acceleration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YU7 | RMB 253,500 (C$48,100/ US$35,300) | RWD | 96.3 kWh LFP | 835 km (519 miles) | 5.88 sec |
| YU7 Pro | RMB 279,900 (C$53,100/ US$39,000) | AWD | 96.3 kWh LFP | 770 km (478 miles) | 4.27 sec |
| YU7 Max | RMB 329,900 (C$62,600/ US$46,000) | AWD | 101.7 kWh ternary Li | 760 km (472 miles) | 3.23 sec |
In comparison, the Tesla Model Y in China currently starts at RMB 263,500 (C$50,000/US$36,700) for the Rear-Wheel Drive version, with a CLTC-rated range of 593 km (368 miles) and a 0–100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds. The Long Range AWD version is priced at RMB 313,500 (C$59,500/US$43,600) and offers a range of 719 km (447 miles) with a 0–100 km/h time of 4.3 seconds.
Larger Size, More Features
The YU7 is positioned as a mid-to-large SUV, measuring 4,999 mm in length, 1,996 mm in width, and 1,600 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm. This makes it larger than the Tesla Model Y, which comes in at 4,797 mm long with a 2,890 mm wheelbase.
All YU7 variants are built on an 800V architecture for ultra-fast charging and come equipped with LiDAR sensors, Apple CarPlay, and Apple Music. Inside, buyers will find high-end features like massaging seats, large infotainment displays, and even interior storage drawers — amenities that have become increasingly popular among Chinese EV buyers.
The YU7 also includes Xiaomi’s latest driver-assist technology, powered by NVIDIA’s Thor chip in higher trims. CEO Lei Jun acknowledged Tesla’s lead in autonomous driving but emphasized Xiaomi’s goal of quickly closing the gap.
Launch Promotions and Delivery Timeline
To further entice early adopters, Xiaomi is offering up to RMB 66,000 (~$9,200 USD) in limited-time incentives for buyers who place a RMB 5,000 (C$950/US$700) refundable deposit before July 31. In a strategic move, customers who previously ordered the Xiaomi SU7 sedan but haven’t yet taken delivery can switch their order to the YU7 until June 29.
Deliveries for locked-in YU7 orders — requiring a RMB 20,000 (C$3,800/US$2,800) non-refundable deposit — are expected to begin within 1 to 5 weeks, according to Xiaomi’s mobile app. Deliveries of customized models are anticipated to start in August, aligning with the expected production ramp from Xiaomi’s EV factory Phase 2 project.
Market Outlook
The YU7’s launch comes as Xiaomi continues to gain ground in the EV space. The SU7 sedan has already outsold Tesla’s Model 3 in China this year, and analysts predict strong momentum for the YU7. Analysts expect monthly sales of 30,000 units, with annual sales potentially reaching 300,000–360,000 units.
With pricing, performance, and features that surpass the Model Y on multiple fronts — particularly in range — Xiaomi appears well-positioned to capture a notable share of China’s mid-size SUV segment. However, the company also faces challenges, including increased regulatory scrutiny and intensifying competition from BYD, Zeekr, and Li Auto.
Still, CEO Lei Jun remains optimistic: “We’re going to face the biggest competitor, and also face fierce challenge from all the other manufacturers. However, I’m very confident.”
