It’s no new news that phone company Xiaomi is no longer just your go-to for affordable smartphones. What is new, however, is that the Chinese tech giant has stormed into the electric vehicle (EV) arena with the Xiaomi YU7, an SUV that’s already sending shockwaves through the industry. Recently launched on June 26, 2025, the YU7 isn’t just another EV—it’s a game-changer, combining blistering performance, jaw-dropping range, and a price tag that undercuts heavyweights like Tesla’s Model Y. Could this be the SUV that reshapes the EV market?

The most impressive and applicable aspect of this release is the YU7’s wallet-friendly price. In China, it starts at RMB 253,500 (approximately USD 35,000), notably lower than Tesla’s Model Y—a direct competitor. Xiaomi isn’t playing around with its launch strategy either. Early birds who slap down a RMB 5,000 deposit (roughly USD 700) before July 31 can score up to RMB 66,000 (about USD 9,200) in perks, from upgrades to exclusive benefits. According to sites like Reuters on Xiaomi’s pricing strategy, this aggressive move is a direct jab at Tesla, and it’s working.

However, the YU7 isn’t just cheap; it’s a beast. In looking at the specs, the Pro and Max variants boast dual-motor AWD setups with 365 kW (496 Ps) and 508 kW (690 Ps) respectively, rocketing from 0 to 100 km/h in a heart-pounding 4.27 seconds (Pro) and a mind-blowing 3.23 seconds (Max). That’s faster than even the top-tier Tesla Model Y, which clocks in at 4.3 seconds for its fastest variant. As for top speeds, we’re hitting 240 km/h for Pro and 253 km/h for Max, showcasing the new EV’s raw power.

Range? No compromises here. With a 96.3 kWh LFP battery in the Standard and Pro models, you’re looking at up to 835 km (CLTC) for Standard and 770 km (CLTC) for Pro, while the Max variant’s 101.7 kWh NCM battery clocks 760 km (CLTC)—outpacing Tesla’s best at 719 km. Plus, with 5.2C ultra-fast charging, you can add 620 km of range in just 15 minutes.

Xiaomi’s betting big, and the market’s biting. Demand for the YU7 is staggering, with 200,000 orders secured in just 3 minutes post-launch. Production lines are revving up for rapid delivery—some within 1-5 weeks. Custom orders are slated for August rollouts, and Xiaomi’s even letting SU7 sedan reservation holders switch to the YU7 until June 29.

Xiaomi’s YU7 isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. By blending cutting-edge tech, unbeatable pricing, and swift delivery, Xiaomi is gunning for the EV crown. Tesla, watch your rearview mirror, this disruptor’s coming fast. Curious about the hype? See it in action below:
Cover image via Mundo Xiaomi.