Xiaomi’s second electric vehicle (EV), the YU7 SUV, has taken China’s EV market by storm — but overwhelming demand has created a backlog so severe that CEO Lei Jun is telling buyers to consider rival models, including Tesla’s Model Y.
Unveiled in late June as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y, the Xiaomi YU7 racked up roughly 200,000 orders within its first 3 minutes it was on sale. The rapid order rate has now left new customers facing wait times of 56–59 weeks — meaning many won’t take delivery until well into 2026.
While high demand is typically a welcome problem for automakers, some prospective owners have voiced frustration. Data from China’s 12365auto.com platform shows the YU7 ranked among the top 20 most complained-about vehicles in July, with long wait times being the most common gripe. (via Bloomberg)
CEO’s Surprising Advice: Buy the Competition
In a candid, and lengthy social media post, Lei Jun acknowledged the delays and encouraged those needing a car sooner to consider other Chinese-made EVs. His suggestions included the Xpeng G7, Li Auto i8, and the Tesla Model Y.
“The Model Y is a good car, and Tesla announced many preferential policies yesterday, so you may want to consider it as well,” Lei Jun wrote. This isn’t his first public nod to Tesla’s electric SUV. When the automaker launched the refreshed Model Y earlier this year, Lei responded on Weibo with a single word — “Ok” — a subtle show of confidence that the YU7 could hold its own in a direct comparison.
YU7 Specs at Aggressive Prices
The YU7’s popularity is no mystery. The base Standard model starts at 253,500 yuan (C$48,700/US$35,300) and offers an 800-volt architecture capable of charging from 0–80% in just 13 minutes. It boasts a CLTC range of up to 835 km (519 miles) and is powered by a 315-hp motor.
The Pro variant, starting at 279,900 yuan (C$53,800/US$39,000), features dual motors producing 489 hp. The top-tier Max model combines a 101.7 kWh NMC battery with 681 hp, priced at 329,900 yuan (C$63,400/US$46,000).
Production Challenges Ahead of Global Expansion
Xiaomi is still ramping up production at its Beijing facility, which has been balancing output between the YU7 and the earlier SU7 sedan. In July, Xiaomi delivered a record 30,000 vehicles, but scaling to meet YU7 demand will take time. Lei Jun has set a target of delivering 300,000 vehicles in 2025, though that figure includes all models.
