Xiaomi YU7 unveiled: a high-tech electric SUV at a price you won't believe

Following the excitement generated by its first electric car, the SU7 sedan, tech giant Xiaomi has officially pulled the wraps off its second act: the YU7 SUV. This new entry isn't just a follow-up; it's a direct shot at the heart of the family EV market, targeting established leaders like the Tesla Model Y. With impressive specifications, a heavy emphasis on technology, and attractive pricing (on that later), the YU7 signals that Xiaomi is ready to take the lead.

The YU7 (which apparently means "riding the wind" in Mandarin) makes its presence known with its sheer size. It measures 196.8 inches long, 78.6 inches wide, and 63.3 inches tall, all resting on a lengthy 118 inches wheelbase. This gives it a larger footprint than many of its rivals.

Xiaomi will offer three distinct versions of the electric SUV. The lineup starts with the standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model, equipped with a single motor that produces 235 kilowatts (320 horsepower) and 389 lb-ft of torque. This entry-level version accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in a respectable 5.88 seconds.

If you want more performance, the dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) Pro model steps up the game quite a bit. It delivers a combined 365 kW (496 hp) and 509 lb-ft of torque, slashing the 0-62 mph time to just 4.27 seconds.

At the top of the food chain sits the YU7 Max AWD. This flagship variant unleashes 508 kW (690 hp) and 639 lb-ft of torque, rocketing the SUV from 0 to 62 mph in a supercar-like 3.23 seconds and reaching a top speed of 157 mph. The Standard and Pro models are electronically limited to 149 mph.

Range anxiety remains a key concern for buyers of electric cars, and Xiaomi has clearly done its homework. All YU7 models are built on a modern 800-volt high-voltage platform, enabling exceptionally fast charging. The Standard and Pro models come equipped with a 96.3 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery. This pack provides an impressive CLTC-rated range of 519 miles for the RWD model and 478 miles for the AWD Pro.

The performance-oriented Max model gets the largest battery in the lineup. At 101.7 kWh, this Ternary Lithium (NMC) pack offers a still-generous CLTC range of 472 miles. Fast charging from 10% to 80% can take as little as 12 to 21 minutes, but that depends on the model and the DC charger itself.

The interior is where Xiaomi's background as a consumer electronics company truly shines. The dashboard is dominated by a massive 1.1-meter panoramic "HyperVision" screen made up of three Mini-LED displays boasting 1,200 nits of peak brightness. This enormous screen, powered by a powerful NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor chip, serves as the central hub for all vehicle functions.

Comfort is another priority. The front features optional "zero-gravity" seats wrapped in Nappa leather, capable of reclining to 123 degrees and offering massage functions. The rear lounge seats can be electrically adjusted up to 135 degrees. For a final touch of luxury, buyers can add a 4.6-liter built-in fridge that can cool or heat its contents. Audio is handled by a 25-speaker premium system with Dolby Atmos for an immersive sound experience.

Xiaomi has also packed the YU7 with an extensive suite of technology and safety features. All models come standard with LiDAR and a 4D millimeter-wave radar to support the company's advanced assisted driving system. The vehicle's "Armor-Cage" body uses a combination of high-strength steel and aluminum alloys, including a 2,200 MPa ultra-high-strength steel roll cage for enhanced passenger protection.

The battery packs are themselves armored with bulletproof coating. For added convenience and security, the YU7 features extensive integration with Apple's ecosystem, allowing an iPhone to function as a UWB digital key. The "XiaoAI" voice assistant can even be used from outside the car to perform tasks like opening the trunk or checking the weather.

But all this tech and comfort wouldn't be much of use if the YU7 was priced as a luxury electric SUV. Thankfully, this is Xiaomi and the company was very careful with its pricing strategy. Go too high, and you risk losing customers. Go too low, and YU7 would be a bargain with waiting lists stretching to years. Xiaomi held the prices close to its chest during the last few months, but finally, here they are:

With its combination of performance, range, and feature-rich cabin, the Xiaomi YU7 is looking like another runaway success. With those prices, there is no question if Xiaomi can steal customers away from the likes of Tesla Model Y. The YU7 looks ready to continue the success of the SU7, and it'll be only a day or two before the company shares its first official order numbers. These numbers will tell us if Xiaomi got the pricing and the product right, and if the EV industry has a real giant growing in its midst.

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