Xiaomi unveils YU7 electric SUV to take on similar models from Tesla, Li Auto, Nio in 2025

Development of the YU7 reflects Xiaomi’s growing confidence in its EV business, which met its 100,000-vehicle production target this year

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The YU7 electric sports utility vehicle from Xiaomi is expected to be launched in June or July next year. Photo: Xiaomi

Published: 5:00pm, 10 Dec 2024

Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi has revealed its new YU7 sports utility vehicle (SUV) that it expects to commercially release in mid-2025, taking on similar models from Tesla, Li Auto and Nio in the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) market.

In a Weibo post on Tuesday, Xiaomi founder, chairman and chief executive Lei Jun showed off the YU7, which is expected to be launched in June or July next year.

“Why announce so early?” Lei wrote in his post. “We want to remove the heavy camouflage on test vehicles as soon as possible, enabling more comprehensive, detailed and long-term, large-scale testing to ensure the product’s quality.”

His social-media announcement coincided with the publication by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of new vehicle registrations on its website, which included Beijing-based Xiaomi’s new electric SUV.

The YU7 is currently undergoing extensive road tests, Lei wrote in a separate Weibo post. No information was provided about the YU7’s interior details and pricing.

A back view of Xiaomi’s new YU7 electric sports utility vehicle. Photo: Xiaomi

According to the MIIT website, the YU7 measures 4.999 metres in length, 1.996 metres in width and 1.6 metres in height. That would make it roomier and lower when compared with Tesla’s current Model Y SUV.