FIVE REASONS THE XIAOMI YU7 IS MORE THAN JUST A MODEL Y RIVAL

Xiaomi’s second electric vehicle, the YU7 SUV, is already attracting long queues at stores, online ordering frenzies, and a flood of early impressions from EV enthusiasts. 

While comparisons with Tesla’s Model Y are unavoidable, especially in the Chinese market, the YU7 carves out a space for itself through a unique blend of design, technology, and market positioning.

Here are five reasons why the Xiaomi YU7 isn’t just another car chasing Tesla.

It Has Better Specs Where It Matters

At the launch event, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun directly compared the YU7 with Tesla’s Model Y. And on paper, Xiaomi’s car has the upper hand in some key areas.

The YU7 offers more range.

• The Standard and Pro models come with a 96.3kWh battery, giving up to 835km and 770km of range (CLTC),

• The Max model has a bigger 101.7kWh battery, with a 760km range.

  In comparison, the Model Y tops out at 719km.

The YU7 is also faster.

• The Max version, with two motors producing 690 horsepower, goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.23 seconds.
• That’s faster than any Model Y and even some sports SUVs like the Ferrari Purosangue.
• The Standard and Pro versions do 0–100 km/h in 5.88s and 4.27s, which is still very good.

So if you’re looking at numbers alone, the YU7 beats Tesla in both range and speed.

It Charges Faster With 800V Technology

Most electric cars today still use 400V systems, like the Model Y. But the YU7 uses an 800V platform with silicon carbide technology, which charges faster and handles heat better.

Xiaomi says you can add 620km of range in just 15 minutes of charging under ideal conditions. In comparison, the Model Y takes about 27 minutes to go from 10% to 80%.

For people who travel long distances or worry about charging time, this makes a big difference. It means less time waiting and more time driving.

It’s also cheaper

The YU7 starts at ¥10,000 less than the Model Y. But it’s not just about being cheaper.

Even the base model has good enough features for daily use, which makes it a great deal. And if you want more, the Max version adds real upgrades:

• A more powerful battery,
• Better suspension (for smoother rides),
• Much faster performance.

There are also thoughtful touches inside:

• An electric front trunk,
• Magnetic charging spots for your devices,
• A clean, modern interior that feels premium.

These are the features that make the car more enjoyable to live with.

Smart Driving Features Come Built-In

Xiaomi is known for its technology, and the YU7 shows that clearly.

The car comes with:

• Nvidia’s latest Thor chip,
• Lidar, radar, 11 cameras, 4D mm-wave radar, and 12 sensors—all included as standard.

Unlike Xiaomi’s first car, the SU7, the YU7 includes Xiaomi’s in-house assisted driving system right from the start. The system will be upgraded with Xiaomi’s in-house XLA large model AI, which is expected to receive updates later this year.

Xiaomi is also serious about self-driving tech. It has already invested 5.79 billion yuan in this area and has over 1,800 people working on it.

Stylish Design

The YU7 looks sporty and modern, with a long hood, sloped roof, and coupe-style body. Because of its shape, it gives up a bit of trunk space compared to boxier SUVs.

• The YU7 is longer and wider than the Model Y,
• But it offers 1758L of cargo space, while the Model Y has 2022L.

Still, Xiaomi believes that buyers will choose good looks over a few liters of trunk space. The folding rear seats help make the most of the available space.

A New Challenge for Tesla in China

It’s too early to say if the YU7 will sell more than the Model Y, but it’s clear that Xiaomi is now one of Tesla’s biggest local competitors.

Sales of the Model Y in China are slowing down, while Xiaomi’s first car—the SU7 sedan—sold over 258,000 units in less than four months.

If the YU7 sees similar success, Xiaomi could quickly become a major player in the EV world. According to Xiaomi, the YU7 has over 200,000 orders placed within five minutes of launch, and deliveries are starting soon.

The post Five reasons the Xiaomi YU7 is more than just a Model Y rival appeared first on Gizmochina.

2025-07-01T03:50:56Z