Xiaomi YU7 GT revealed: a 990-horsepower electric SUV powerhouse

The Chinese technology giant Xiaomi filed new paperwork for a high-performance version of its popular SUV. Known as the Xiaomi YU7 GT, the new model will be one of the most powerful vehicles on the road. The standard YU7 is already a quick family car, but the GT version turns everything up to a whole new level.

According to the latest filings from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the YU7 GT is a massive leap forward in power. The most powerful version of the regular SUV, the YU7 Max, delivers 508 kW (681 horsepower). That is a lot of muscle for a daily driver, but the GT variant makes it look small. The new YU7 GT delivers 738 kW in total, which equals roughly 990 horsepower, putting this SUV in the same league as some of the most expensive supercars in the world.

The YU7 GT uses two electric motors: the front motor provides 288 kW, while the rear motor adds a massive 450 kW. This setup gives the car all-wheel drive and a top speed of 186 mph. For those who enjoy quick starts, the YU7 GT is expected to be a rocket. While the Max version can already hit 62 mph in 3.23 seconds, we believe the GT will do it in about 2 seconds - fast enough to push you deep into your seat.

The new version of Xiaomi’s popular SUV is also physically larger. The GT measures 197.4 inches long, 79 inches wide, and 62.9 inches tall. This makes it 0.63 inches longer and 0.43 inches wider than the regular YU7. The difference is purely down to different bumpers, and the wheelbase stays the same at 118 inches. The extra bodywork gives the car a more aggressive stance, further helped by its all-black exterior. Unlike the colorful standard models, the GT looks like it means business.

Weight is an important factor for EVs, and this performance beast is quite heavy. It has a curb weight of 5,423 lb. To handle all that weight and power, Xiaomi equipped the GT with very wide tires. The front wheels use 265/40R21 tires, while the rear wheels are even wider at 295/35R21. The high-tech ternary lithium battery is made by CATL.

The technical specs are impressive, but the price is what many shoppers want to know. Market experts suggest the YU7 GT will cost between RMB 450,000 and RMB 500,000 in China. That is roughly $62,000 to $69,000, making it much more expensive than the base YU7, which starts at about $35,000. But for a car with nearly 1,000 horsepower, many Chinese fans will likely see it as a bargain compared to European luxury brands.

The YU7 GT features special hardware like red brake calipers and a large rear diffuser to help with aerodynamics. It also includes many customization options, allowing owners to choose different wheel designs and body decals. The YU7 GT is primarily for the Chinese market, but the company has plans to expand globally in the future. For drivers who want the ultimate mix of utility and speed, the wait for this electric powerhouse might be worth it.

The rise of high-performance electric cars has changed how we think about family SUVs. Only a few years ago, a car with 990 horsepower would have been a rare exotic vehicle. Now, it is a five-seat SUV that can carry groceries and take the kids to school. Of course, you might want to make sure the groceries are tied down before you test that 2-second acceleration.

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