Xiaomi Unveils Model Y Competitor, Shatters Pre-Order Milestones
In the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) market, Xiaomi has entered the fray with its latest offering, the YU7 SUV. This high-performance luxury electric SUV presents a strong value proposition for buyers seeking advanced technology and premium features in a similarly sized EV SUV, challenging Tesla's dominance in the Chinese market.
The YU7, measuring 4,999 mm (196.8 in) long, is slightly larger than the Tesla Model Y in length, width, and wheelbase, but slightly shorter in height. Weighing between 2,140 – 2,460 kg (4,718 – 5,423 lb), the YU7's larger size and structural reinforcements contribute to its heft.
Xiaomi offers a range of powertrain options for the YU7, including a rear-motor base model and powerful dual-motor AWD variants that approach nearly 700 hp. This output is comparable or even superior to some Model Y variants. The YU7 also features adaptive air suspension, a feature currently not offered in the Tesla Model Y in China.
Inside, the YU7 boasts a more luxurious and feature-rich interior. It comes equipped with Nappa leather upholstery, OEKO-TEX Class 1 certified soft-touch materials, front seats with 10-point massage and 123° 'zero-gravity' recline, and power-adjustable rake for the rear seats (100–135°).
Xiaomi's autonomous system includes a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor (200 m range), 4D millimeter-wave radar, 11 cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, all powered by an Nvidia DRIVE AGX Thor-U chip. In comparison, Tesla relies on an advanced camera and radar system but no LiDAR.
Cargo space is competitive, with the YU7 offering 678 liters of rear cargo, expandable to 1,758 liters with the rear seats folded, and a notable frunk space. The Model Y, on the other hand, offers approximately 854 liters of total cargo capacity, including frunk.
Pricing-wise, the Xiaomi YU7 undercuts the Tesla Model Y, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. With a starting price of under RMB 253,500 (~$35,000 USD), the YU7 offers a strong value proposition in the Chinese market.
This comparison suggests that Xiaomi is positioning the YU7 as a more spacious, tech-laden, and competitively priced alternative to Tesla's Model Y in China. Rear passengers in the YU7 also benefit from power-adjustable reclining seats, dual rear screens, and soft-touch materials throughout.
Xiaomi's second electric vehicle, the YU7 SUV, follows the successful launch of the SU7 sedan last year. With its impressive specifications and features, the YU7 is poised to make a significant impact in the Chinese EV market.
- In the automotive industry, Xiaomi's latest offering, the YU7 SUV, competes directly with Tesla's Model Y, especially in the finance sector, as the YU7's starting price is competitively lower than the Model Y.
- The finance department of Xiaomi has emphasized the technology aspect of the YU7, as it boasts advanced features such as adaptive air suspension, a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, and an Nvidia DRIVE AGX Thor-U chip, which are currently not offered in the Tesla Model Y in China.
- In the transportation sector, the YU7 presents a strong value proposition for buyers seeking electric-vehicles, with its larger size and structural reinforcements contributing to a heft that can match, or even surpass, the performance of some Model Y variants.
- The YU7 SUV, in the lifestyle category, offers a more luxurious and feature-rich interior compared to the Model Y, with Nappa leather upholstery, adjustable reclining seats, and premium soft-touch materials.
