12 ways the Xiaomi YU7 outdoes the Tesla Model Y

The debut of the Xiaomi YU7 came and went like a storm, but the dust still hasn't settled. The deeper we look into this Chinese revolutionary SUV, the more we discover. And although it is larger than Tesla Model Y, nobody has a shadow of a doubt that Xiaomi picked Tesla's SUV as its main rival. And the newcomer certainly looks prepared for the battle, brining a number of innovations and creature comforts that are absent in the popular Model Y.

The Xiaomi YU7, which shares a platform with its SU7 sedan sibling, enters a crowded field but distinguishes itself with a clear focus on technology integration. For a company that built its empire on smartphones and smart home devices, this tech-first approach is probably not a huge surprise. And here go the main upgrades it offers when compared to the new version of the most popular EV on the planet.

Faster charging

On the performance front, the YU7 uses a more advanced 800V electrical architecture across its lineup. This allows for much faster charging speeds compared to the Model Y's 400V system. Xiaomi claims the YU7 can add up to 317 miles of range in just 15 minutes, a figure that handily beats the charging speeds of its Tesla rival. Charging the battery from 10% to 80% takes 21 minutes for the 96.3 kWh LFP models, and only 12 minutes for the 101.7 kWh Max model. The best Tesla Model Y supports 250 kW charging and takes 27 minutes to charge its 75 kWh battery pack from 10% to 80%.

Longer Range

While we are on the subject of batteries, let's have a look at the theoretical range. Xiaomi doesn't provide WLTP or EPA ratings yet, but we'll use the Chinese CLTC numbers instead. The YU7 has two batteries available: 96.3 kWh LFP and 101.7 kWh NMC pack. The smaller battery is available in the Standard and Pro models and offers CLTC-rated range of 519 miles and 478 miles, respectively. The larger pack is available only in the Max model and delivers 472 miles of range. Tesla Model Y has seen a quiet range upgrade in China last week (coincidence?) and the Longe-Range AWD model now offers 466 miles on a full charge, which is shorter than any of the Xiaomi versions.

Extra performance

Next let's have a closer look at the performance figures. After Tesla hastily upgraded the Model Y AWD last week, it now matches the YU7 Pro figures. Both cars accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds, but Tesla taps out at 125 mph while YU7 goes on to 149 mph. The YU7 Max doesn't have any competition at the moment. Thanks to its 690 horsepower and 639 lb-ft of torque, it barrels to 62 mph in 3.23 seconds. The older Model Y Performance used to be able to do that in 3.7 seconds, and we are pretty sure Tesla is working hard to beat that number with the new version.

Hardware controls for the main screen

One of the most immediately noticeable differences is inside the cabin. While the YU7's 16.1-inch 3K central touchscreen display is not unusual, it's the clever optional accessory that makes it special. The magnetic strip attaches to the bottom of the screen and introduces physical buttons and a rotating knob for most common features. The Tesla Model Y, in contrast, has a 15-inch central screen through which you control everything - a design that has largely been criticized for making certain features pretty hard to access.

The extra driver's display

Next is another display spanning the entire width of the YU7's dashboard. It sits neatly just between the windscreen and top of the dash and it combines three mini-OLED displays. It's a simple solution that fixes the main problem with head-up displays - visibility in bright sunlight. Model Y has nothing to counter it with, not even a standard HUD.

A mini fridge

Perhaps one of the most talked-about features is the integrated refrigerator in the YU7. Tucked in neatly between the front seats, this small compartment is big enough for a few drinks and can keep them either ice-cold or warm - a welcome nod to practicality and comfort that is absent in the spartan interior of the Model Y.

Fragrance diffuser

Another unique idea is the in-car fragrance diffuser. With a selection of different scent cartridges, the owners can personalize the aroma of their vehicle.

Xiaomi's ecosystem

Depending on how many other Xiaomi gadgets you own this can be either the biggest upgrade or totally insignificant, but the YU7 is designed to seamlessly integrate with Xiaomi's vast ecosystem of over 1,000 smart home devices. This "Human x Car x Home" connectivity allows you to control your home appliances from the car and vice versa, creating a connected lifestyle that extends beyond the vehicle itself. Tesla makes no such products, so it doesn't really offer a proper alternative.

Magnetic attachment points

Xiaomi went far beyond the standard approach in the accessory department. The magnetic attachment points we first saw in the SU7 sedan, are back. They allow you to attach phones, cameras, and various other bits, but the biggest thing is that now they are powered - no more ugly stands hanging from the dash and getting in the way. The clever little addition is a fully programmable button that you can place anywhere in the car - press it and it can activate lights, close or open all windows at once, move the front seat, set the aircon to a specific temperature, play your favorite song - there apparently is no limit to what function can be assigned to it.

Superior glass roof

Both the Tesla Model Y and the Xiaomi YU7 have full-length glass roofs, but Xiaomi took extra time to make theirs an industry benchmark. While Tesla's roof is great at reflecting heat, the one on YU7 can be dimmed completely. Unlike many glass roofs going opaque at a touch of a button, Xiaomi came up with a solution that turns the YU7's roof completely black, cutting all the sun out and giving 100% privacy for the passengers.

More space

The SU7 is also physically larger than the Model Y. It measures 196.8 inches in length, 78.6 inches in width, and stands 63.3 inches tall, with a 118 inches wheelbase. The Tesla Model Y is more compact at 188.6 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 63.9 inches tall, with a 113.8 inches wheelbase. This larger footprint gives the SU7 a more commanding presence and more interior space.

Zero gravity seats

Those extra inches are also put to good use in the YU7 - both front seats offer the "zero-gravity" reclining option, and the rear seats recline as well. Xiaomi managed as well to make the frunk larger in the YU7 - 4.98 ft³ against Tesla's 4.13 ft³. Conversely, Tesla's trunk is larger than the one found in YU7, by quite a margin - 6.5 ft³ exactly.

The Xiaomi YU7 might be a newcomer, but it surely came well-prepared and its no surprise that the company has already nearly 300,000 confirmed orders on its books, and its launched its biggest recruitment drive ever. Fulfilling those orders will take some time, and you can bet your lunch money Tesla will use that time to spice up the Model Y in the hope of stealing some of those Xiaomi's customers. It won't be an easy task though.