Xiaomi is launching the YU7 electric SUV on June 26 and we will report live from China

The Chinese consumer electronics giant is doubling down on its electric car ambitions, unveiling its first-ever SUV, the YU7. The official launch will take place on June 26, and we are already in China preparing to report on the event. Xiaomi's new electric SUV is aimed squarely at the heart of the most competitive segment, directly challenging the undisputed champion, the Tesla Model Y, with a mix of technology, performance, and, crucially, aggressive pricing.

Just months after shaking up the electric sedan market with its popular SU7, Xiaomi is wasting no time in expanding its EV footprint. The Beijing-based company, known globally for its smartphones and a vast ecosystem of smart devices, is proving its debut in electric cars is no experiment. The YU7 is a full-sized electric SUV built on the same "Modena" architecture as its sedan sibling but designed for a completely different audience.

The YU7 is a large vehicle, measuring 196.8 inches in length, 78.6 inches in width, and 63 inches in height, with a generous 118 inches wheelbase. It is longer and wider than the Tesla Model Y, promising plenty of interior space. The design, led by a former BMW designer, is sleek and sporty, featuring "waterdrop" headlights and an impressive aluminum clamshell hood, the largest on any mass-produced car. This focus on design is matched by practicality, with a total of 69.6 ft³ of storage space, including a substantial 4.98 ft³ front trunk.

Inside, the tech-focused approach that defines Xiaomi is on full display. A massive 16.1-inch central touchscreen powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip serves as the command center for the vehicle's HyperOS. The cabin is appointed with Nappa leather, a panoramic sunroof, and zero-gravity front seats. For autonomous driving capabilities, the YU7 is equipped with an advanced sensor suite, including LiDAR, and is powered by the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor chip.

Xiaomi plans to offer the YU7 in at least three flavors. The standard rear-wheel-drive model is expected to boast an impressive CLTC range of 519 miles from its 96.3 kWh battery. A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Pro model will use the same battery but offer more performance. Topping the range will be the "Max" variant, equipped with a larger 101.7 kWh battery and a dual-motor setup producing a staggering 508 kW (681 horsepower). This powerhouse is quoted with a 0-62 mph acceleration time of just 3.23 seconds and a top speed of 157 mph. Thanks to its 800V architecture, Xiaomi claims the YU7 can add 385 miles of range in just 15 minutes of charging.

The timing of the YU7's arrival is no coincidence. While Xiaomi's first EV, the SU7 sedan, has been a runaway success, with delivery wait times stretching up to 51 weeks, the company is fully aware that the real volume and profit in the current EV market lie in SUVs. The Tesla Model Y has been a global best-seller, and its success in China has been a key pillar of its growth. Xiaomi is not just aiming to compete; it is aiming to win over those same customers. Pre-launch interest seems to support this ambition, with initial deposit numbers for the YU7 reportedly three times higher than those for the SU7 during the same period.

The final piece of the puzzle, and the most critical, will be the price. While the official numbers will only be confirmed at the launch event, company CEO Lei Jun has hinted that the starting price will be competitive. Rumors suggest a starting price of around RMB 245,900 (approximately $34,100), which would strategically undercut the refreshed Tesla Model Y in China, which starts at RMB 263,500 ($36,660).

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