Xiaomi's SUV, priced to undercut Tesla, ignites a frenzy with 289,000 orders in just one hour | Carscoops

      The Chinese automaker has released pricing details and opened orders for the electric SUV version of the SU7.

      10 hours ago

      by Michael Gauthier

      The Xiaomi YU7, the newest electric SUV from China, aims to compete with Tesla’s Model Y.

      Delivering up to 681 horsepower, it resembles a cost-effective Ferrari Purosangue with a McLaren-inspired front.

      In China, the starting price is $34,500 for the base model, while the top-tier variant is priced at $44,700.

      Update: Xiaomi has announced pricing and range information for the new YU7, with the electric crossover starting at RMB 253,500 (approximately $34,500 based on current exchange rates) for the Standard ‘ultra-long-range’ rear-wheel-drive version. It claims an impressive driving range of 830 km (516 miles) on the CLTC cycle and is equipped with a single motor producing 315 hp (235 kW), allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds.

      For those preferring all-wheel drive, the Pro version is priced at RMB 279,900 ($37,900). It shares the same 96.3 kWh LPF battery as the Standard variant but features dual motors that generate a combined 489 hp (365 kW) and offers a stated range of 770 km (478 miles), again based on the optimistic CLTC cycle.

      Finally, the Max model offers enhanced performance with AWD capabilities, costing RMB 329,900 ($44,700). Its dual motors yield a combined output of 681 hp (508 kW) and 866 Nm of peak torque, achieving 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.23 seconds. The 101.7 kWh NMC battery provides a claimed range of 760 km (472 miles).

      These prices are lower than those of one of its main competitors, the locally manufactured Tesla Model Y, which starts at RMB 263,000 ($35,200) for the RWD variant that accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds and provides a range of 593 km (368 miles) on the CLTC cycle. The Long Range model begins at RMB 313,500 ($41,300) and offers a range of 719 km (446 miles) with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 4.3 seconds. Tesla has yet to release the upgraded Model Y Juniper's flagship Performance version.

      Xiaomi also impressively claimed on social media that it received over 289,000 orders for the YU7 within just one hour of launching pre-sales. Customers placing a 5,000 yuan deposit (approximately $670) before July 31 will receive a discount of 66,000 yuan ($8,800).

      John Halas contributed to this article.

      The electric SUV market has become even more exciting. Xiaomi introduced the stylish YU7 last year, and it has now officially launched in China. This is significant as the YU7 marks the company’s second model and their first SUV, following the success of the SU7, which achieved 258,000 sales in just 14 months, including 28,000 deliveries in April alone.

      The crossover, building on the success of the SU7, is a high-performance luxury SUV with a distinctive design. It features a shark-nose front that is complemented by “waterdrop” headlights designed to channel air out through the hood. Notably, the crossover includes the largest clamshell aluminum hood found among mass-produced vehicles.

      Aerodynamics played a crucial role in the YU7's development, with the final model boasting “10 through-flow air channels and 19 optimized vents” to effectively manage airflow. This is further enhanced by aerodynamically designed wheels and an active grille shutter system, resulting in a drag coefficient of 0.245.

      Having previously seen the crossover, we will briefly touch on notable features such as flush-mounted door handles and a standard panoramic glass roof. The rear end is distinctive, featuring “halo” taillights and two spoilers. The model is available in three vibrant colors – Emerald Green, Titanium Silver, and Lava Orange – complemented by glossy black accents.

      Regarding dimensions, the YU7 measures 196.8 inches (4,999 mm) in length, 78.6 inches (1,996 mm) in width, and 63 inches (1,600 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 118.1 inches (3,000 mm). This makes it 2.3 inches (58 mm) shorter than the Tesla Model X, yet it has a wheelbase that is 1.4 inches (35 mm) longer.

      Minimalist Interior and Expansive