Camilla Jessen
Xiaomi’s second-ever electric car hasn’t hit the streets, but it’s already breaking records.
The tech company best known for smartphones has taken a bold step into the EV market — and customers are already lining up.
Xiaomi’s new electric SUV, the YU7, attracted 200,000 pre-orders within just three minutes of launch, according to CarNewsChina.
That number reached 289,000 within the first hour.
The YU7, Xiaomi’s second electric car after the SU7 sedan, is positioned as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y.
It’s larger, comes with a longer driving range, and includes high-end interior features, all at a lower price point.
Price and Range Comparison
The base version of the YU7 is priced at 253,500 yuan, or about $34,900 or £27,600.
By comparison, the Tesla Model Y starts at 263,500 yuan in China, roughly $36,300 or £28,700.
This entry-level YU7 model features rear-wheel drive and delivers 320 horsepower.
Its stated range is 830 kilometers (about 516 miles) under the Chinese CLTC testing standard, around 240 kilometers (149 miles) more than Tesla’s base model.
A more powerful Pro version of the YU7 is also available.
It costs 279,900 yuan, approximately $38,500 or £30,400. This version offers four-wheel drive, 496 horsepower, and a range of 770 kilometers (478 miles).
Even so, it still undercuts Tesla’s Long Range Model Y in the Chinese market by a wide margin.
Premium Feel and Design
The YU7’s design has drawn comparisons to high-end vehicles, with some saying it resembles the Ferrari Purosangue or has a McLaren-inspired front.
Inside, the car is fitted with nappa leather seats across all versions — a material more often found in premium vehicles.
The model follows the success of Xiaomi’s SU7 sedan, which has reportedly outsold Tesla’s models in China. Company CEO Lei Jun expects the YU7 to sell three times more than the SU7.
Despite the enthusiasm, Xiaomi’s car rollout hasn’t been without trouble.
The YU7 launch was delayed following a fatal accident involving the SU7 sedan. Additionally, some SU7 owners have reported brake failures and discrepancies in listed horsepower. Xiaomi later acknowledged the errors.
