Xiaomi YU7, bigger and cheaper than Model Y...Electric SUV market shakes
Feb 12, 2025
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Recent disclosure of additional information in official Chinese government documents suggests that the model is ready to compete in earnest with the Tesla Model Y.
YU7 has several similarities to the Tesla Model Y in terms of design and performance. It is also attracting consumers' attention with longer mileage, ample space, and competitive prices. Attention is focusing on whether Xiaomi will be able to shake the stronghold of the Model Y in the Chinese electric SUV market through YU7.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Information (MIIT) of China, the YU7 all-wheel drive (AWD) model recorded a driving distance of up to 760 km based on CLTC in China. Specifically, there are three versions: 670 km, 750 km, and 760 km.
Xiaomi has yet to disclose the mileage of YU7's RWD version. However, for the AWD model, it recorded a slight lead over the equivalent Model Y. Xiaomi has not released specific information about YU7's battery capacity, drawing attention to future announcements.
Tesla was the first to launch a new Model Y refresh in China a few weeks ago that reflected Cybertruck design elements. The model is available in two versions: rear-wheel drive and long-range AWD. Model YRWD is certified for 593 kilometers based on CLTC and AWD for 719 kilometers.
Compared to this, YU7 AWD models provide up to 41 km longer mileage than Model Y Long Range AWD. Of course, the Chinese CLTC test method tends to be more optimistic than the actual mileage, but it is a clear strength that YU7 guarantees a longer mileage even when compared on the same basis.
YU7 is superior to Model Y in size as well. YU7 has a full length of 4999 mm, longer than Model Y (4797 mm). The wheelbase is also expected to have more space in the rear seat because the YU7 is 3,000mm, which is longer than the Model Y (2,890m).
Price competitiveness is also the difference between YU7. Although the official price has not yet been announced, local media predict that it will start at about 250,000 yuan (about 49.7 million won). It is cheaper than the model YRWD (263,500 yuan, about 52.39 million won).
For now, YU7 is a model exclusively for domestic demand in China. Xiaomi has yet to consider exporting as demand in China is overflowing. There seems to be no global launch plan in the near future.
However, in December last year, Chinese media reported that "Xiaomi will test the market response while selling limited models in some countries"." If entering the global market becomes a reality in the future, it is expected to act as an important variable that will shake the game of the electric SUV market.
YU7 is predicting direct competition with Model Y due to its excellent mileage, wider interior space, and competitive price. Attention is focusing on whether Xiaomi will be able to establish itself as a strong opponent of Tesla in the electric SUV market.
Editor Kim Tae-won tw.kim@carguy.kr
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
