New 990-HP Xiaomi YU7 GT hits the streets ahead of the official debut

Xiaomi is moving up quickly in the auto industry, proving that its transition from smartphones to electric cars is not a fluke. The company is preparing to launch its latest high-performance offering, the Xiaomi YU7 GT. Sightings of the vehicle at the factory, and now on the streets in China, suggest that mass production is already moving forward. Clad in a deep burgundy shade called "Cherry Red," the YU7 GT looks like a serious option for those who want the utility of an SUV with the soul of a supercar.

The first units are already heading to showrooms across China, giving the public a first real look at what 990 horsepower looks like in a family-sized package. The "GT" in the name stands for Grand Tourer, and Xiaomi is very specific about why it chose these letters over the "Ultra" badge found on its track-focused sedans.

The Ultra models focus on lap times and raw aggression, but the YU7 GT is all about balance. It wants to provide a high-speed travel experience without making the passengers feel like they are trapped in a carbon-fiber cage. Xiaomi calls it a "sports car-level SUV for travel" - you can cross a country quickly while still being able to feel your legs when you arrive at your destination.

Physically, the Xiaomi YU7 GT is a substantial vehicle. It measures 197.4 inches in length and 79 inches in width. With a height of 62.9 inches and a generous wheelbase of 118 inches, it sits firmly in the mid-to-large SUV category. To give it a more muscular stance, designers widened the front fenders and added an aggressive splitter to the front bumper. The body features ten sets of through-air channels designed to manage airflow at high speeds - necessary when you consider the amount of power hidden under the floor.

That power comes from a sophisticated dual-motor setup. For this model, Xiaomi used a 288 kW (386 hp) front motor supplied by Inovance. The rear motor is a self-developed Xiaomi unit that generates a massive 450 kW (604 hp). Together, they deliver a combined output of 738 kW, which translates to that headline-grabbing 990 hp. In the world of electric cars, these numbers are becoming more common, but they still represent the top tier of performance. The YU7 GT can reach a top speed of 186 mph - more than enough to lose your license in any country on the planet.

Managing all that energy is a 101.7 kWh battery pack. According to the CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle), this setup provides a range of 438 miles. Real-world driving rarely matches laboratory tests, but the large battery ensures that the YU7 GT is a viable tool for long-distance trips.

To keep the ride smooth, Xiaomi fitted the EV with air suspension and rear axle torque vectoring. This allows the car to distribute power to the wheels that need it most, improving handling through corners and stability during high-speed highway cruising.

Stopping a heavy SUV that has nearly 1,000 horsepower requires serious hardware. The YU7 GT features 21-inch wheels that house large multi-piston brake calipers. These are expected to be paired with carbon-ceramic discs, a material often reserved for high-end racing cars because it handles heat much better than standard steel.

Xiaomi is also leaning into the trend of personalization. Regulatory filings show that buyers can choose from quite a few customization options - different headlight decorations, various side mirror designs, and several types of rear spoilers or hood ornaments. There are also multiple wheel styles and caliper colors to choose from, ensuring that not every YU7 GT on the road looks exactly the same. For a brand that built its reputation on sleek, customizable software, this move into personalized hardware makes perfect sense.

The launch of the GT model comes at an interesting time for the company. The standard YU7 was a massive hit when it launched last June, racking up 200,000 orders almost immediately. Sales hit a peak of 39,089 units in December as the factory worked through the backlog. By March of this year, sales dipped to 13,558 units - still a respectable number, but it suggests the initial "hype" phase has settled. The arrival of the high-performance GT variant in late May is likely intended to inject new excitement into the lineup and prove that Xiaomi can compete in the premium performance segment.

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