Xiaomi's electric SUV is larger than the latest Tesla Model Y and offers a greater range | Carscoops

      The starting price for the Xiaomi YU7 in China is expected to be around ¥250,000, which is approximately $34,700.

      The electric SUV measures 8 inches longer than the Tesla Model Y and claims a range of up to 472 miles.

      Xiaomi has not yet revealed the battery pack sizes for its inaugural all-electric SUV.

      Both dual-motor all-wheel drive and single-motor rear-wheel drive configurations for the SU7 will be offered.

      Eight weeks ago, Xiaomi unveiled its highly anticipated electric SUV, the YU7. While it may have been more appropriate to name it the SU7 instead of reserving that name for its electric sedan, this second electric vehicle has the potential to become the brand's most favored model. Recent filings from the Chinese government that provide further details suggest it is well-positioned to compete strongly with the Tesla Model Y.

      According to data from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, all-wheel drive YU7 models boast quoted CLTC range figures of 416 miles (670 km), 466 miles (750 km), and 472 miles (760 km). Although the Chinese testing cycle is often overly optimistic, these numbers are quite competitive with the recently revised Tesla Model Y.

      The newly designed Model Y, inspired by Cybercab aesthetics, was launched in China a few weeks ago and quickly gained popularity. It is available in both rear-wheel drive and Long-Range All-Wheel Drive versions. The base RWD model has a claimed range of 368 miles (593 km), while the AWD version has a CLTC estimated range of 447 miles (719 km). Xiaomi has yet to release a range figure for the YU7 RWD, but the leading AWD variants surpass a comparable Model Y. It is worth noting that Xiaomi has not yet revealed the capacities of the battery packs available for the YU7, although this information is expected to be announced soon.

      This performance is notable considering the YU7's larger dimensions compared to the Tesla. The new Model Y measures 188.8 inches (4,797 mm), while the YU7 stretches to 196.8 inches (4,999 mm). It also features a 118-inch (3,000 mm) wheelbase, which is longer than the Model Y's 113.7-inch (2,890 mm) wheelbase, likely providing more space in the second row than the Model Y.

      The final pricing for the Xiaomi YU7 remains uncertain at this time, but local media indicate it should begin around ¥250,000 (~$34,700). If this is accurate, it would undercut the Model Y RWD that starts at ¥263,500 (~$36,600). Naturally, higher-end variants of the YU7 may be slightly more expensive, though they should be close to the starting price of ¥303,500 (~$42,200) for the Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive.

      For those outside of China, it's unfortunate that Xiaomi does not currently export its vehicles and is unlikely to do so for a considerable period. A report from mid-December suggested Xiaomi could venture into international markets eventually but would initially offer limited models to gauge responses from various countries.