Xiaomi YU7 aims for Tesla Model Y with 681bhp and sub-£30k pricing
Xiaomi has taken the wraps off its YU7 SUV, the brand’s answer to the Tesla Model Y at its ‘New Beginnings’ event in Beijing.
The Chinese brand’s Tesla-fighting YU7 was announced in three trim levels: Standard, Pro, and Max. The entry-level, rear-wheel drive Standard car is priced from 253,500 Chinese yuan, around £25,800.
The mid-tier, AWD Pro starts at CNY 279,900 (£28,500), and the flagship, high-performance AWD Max, has a CNY 329,900 price tag (£33,500). Prices, however, may fluctuate in-line with the political climate.
The Xiaomi YU7 is underpinned by 800V electric architecture across the line-up, and it is understood that 94.3kWh and 101kWh batteries will be available.
Xiaomi has quoted a 519-mile range for the Standard RWD car, with the AWD Pro and Max achieving 478 miles on a single charge. Note, however, that the estimated range figures are sourced from China’s generous CLTC cycle. In terms of charging, Xiaomi says that the YU7 can be charged from 10% to 80% in 12 minutes, with 385 miles in 15 minutes.
Xiaomi has been cagey with the numbers, but confirmed each YU7 will come with an upgraded version of its HyperEngine V6 Plus electric motor. The only performance figures available are those for the Max trim, which produces 681bhp and a top speed of 157mph. The YU7 Max deals with the 0-62mph run in just 3.23 seconds.
The Xiaomi YU7 rides on a double wishbone suspension up front with a five-link independent setup at the rear. The whole system comes paired with dual-chamber closed air springs with adjustable dampers. For maximum stopping power, Xiaomi has fitted the YU7 with four-piston Brembo fixed calipers all-round.
Visually, the car takes styling cues from the Xiaomi SU7 saloon and has adapted them to the YU7’s SUV bodystyle. Buyers can choose from either 19-inch diamond cut alloys, or 21-inch forged wheels. The YU7 is also available in nine colours including vibrant Lava Orange and Emerald Green.
Given Xiaomi started life as a tech firm, it’s no surprise that the YU7 comes packed with the latest technology. The cabin gets dual 80 watt charging pads for phones, an enormous infotainment screen, and nine magnetic points that can be used to attach glasses cases, sports cameras, and other accessories.
On higher-end models, the Xiaomi YU7 comes with an in-built smart fridge and a smart-dimming panoramic class roof. Moreover, Apple CarPlay can now be used alongside Xiaomi’s native apps. Apple Watch users can also control the vehicle independently.
The passenger experience is further enhanced by ‘Motion Sickness Relief Mode’, which was developed with Huasham Hospital and Beijing Tongren Hospital. This novel feature optimises the chassis for comfort, and smooths the ride. Xiaomi claims this reduces the possibility of motion sickness by 51%.
Further tech includes an optional 4K reversing camera, and the ADAS benefits from 11 HD cameras, 12 ultrasonic radars, and Nvidia’s latest AGX Thor chip. Within 18 hours of the YU7’s release, Xiaomi is said to have secured around 240,000 orders for its “Tesla Killer“.
