Xiaomi YU7 Review 2025: Tesla Model Y Rival Unveiled!

The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market is a battleground of innovation, where manufacturers compete to deliver cutting-edge technology, premium design, and competitive pricing. Xiaomi, a brand historically known for affordable electronics, has made a remarkable pivot into the automotive industry. Following the success of their SU7 sedan, which has outperformed competitors like the Tesla Model 3 in China, Xiaomi has now introduced the YU7, their first electric SUV. Aimed squarely at the Tesla Model Y, the YU7 combines stunning design, advanced technology, and practical features to set a new benchmark in the midsize electric SUV segment.

Introduction to the Xiaomi YU7

Xiaomi’s transition from a consumer electronics giant to a formidable automaker has been nothing short of extraordinary. The SU7 sedan, launched last year, quickly became a bestseller in China, outpacing established rivals. Building on this momentum, the YU7 enters the competitive electric SUV market with a bold promise: to deliver a premium, tech-forward vehicle that rivals luxury brands at a fraction of the cost. With a sleek design, advanced battery technology, and a host of innovative features, the YU7 is poised to challenge the Tesla Model Y and other midsize EVs. This article dives into the key aspects of the YU7, drawing from hands-on observations and expert commentary to provide a clear and engaging overview.

Exterior Design: Striking and Functional

The Xiaomi YU7 boasts a design that is both visually arresting and aerodynamically efficient. Measuring nearly 2 meters wide and 1.6 meters tall, the YU7 has a low, aggressive stance that sets it apart from the more conventional, rounded shapes of other electric SUVs. Its long hood and sleek cabin evoke the aesthetics of high-performance SUVs like the Ferrari Puro Sanguay or Aston Martin DBX, though Xiaomi insists the design is distinctly their own. The drag coefficient of 0.245 is competitive, ensuring efficiency without sacrificing style.

Key Exterior Features

• Front Design and Frunk: The YU7 features a spacious front trunk (frunk) with 141 liters of storage, surpassing the Tesla Model Y’s 117 liters. A drainage outlet makes it practical for wet items, and the frunk can be opened via voice commands, a physical button, or the Xiaomi app. The massive one-piece clamshell hood, while visually striking, may pose challenges in manufacturing and repair due to its size.
• Lighting and Sensors: The front end is adorned with McLaren-inspired headlights that double as daytime running lights and turn signals. Integrated proximity sensors and multiple cameras provide 360-degree awareness, supporting advanced safety and parking features. The rear features a continuous, moon-shaped taillight that stretches across the vehicle, enhancing visibility and aesthetics.
• Wheels and Tires: Equipped with Michelin Primacy 5 Energy tires (245/45 on 21-inch rims), the YU7 combines performance and efficiency. Sporty yellow brake calipers add a dynamic flair, and buyers can choose from 19, 20, or 21-inch rims for customization.
• Soft-Close Doors: The electronically controlled soft-close doors feature recessed handles that pop out for access, adding a premium touch. The doors are frameless with double-glazed, blacked-out windows, enhancing both style and cabin quietness.
• Charging Port: Located on the rear side, the charging port opens electronically, though some prefer manual covers for reliability. The system operates smoothly, complementing the vehicle’s high-tech aesthetic.

The YU7’s exterior is a blend of form and function, designed to turn heads while offering practical features like ample storage and advanced safety systems. However, its resemblance to luxury models like the Ferrari Puro Sanguay has sparked debate, with some critics arguing it risks reinforcing stereotypes about Chinese automakers copying foreign designs. In person, the YU7 feels unique, and its thoughtful aerodynamics and robust build quality dispel notions of it being a mere knockoff.

Battery and Performance: Power and Range

At the heart of the YU7 is its advanced battery and powertrain, designed to deliver both performance and efficiency. Xiaomi offers two battery options, each tailored to different models of the YU7.

Battery Technology

• Standard and Pro Models: These use a 96.3 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Blade battery supplied by BYD, known for its thermal stability, long cycle life, and safety. The standard rear-wheel-drive model boasts a CLTC range of 835 km (in comparison to Tesla Model Y LR CLTC range is ~719 km), while the dual-motor Pro model offers 770 km.
• Max Model: The top-spec YU7 Max features a 101.7 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery, delivering a CLTC range of 760 km (approximately 500 km or 310 miles in real-world conditions). This range is competitive with other midsize electric SUVs.

The YU7 employs an 800-volt charging architecture, enabling rapid charging. The LFP models achieve a 10-80% charge in 21 minutes at a peak of 250 kW, while the NMC-equipped Max model can charge in just 12 minutes at 480 kW. The cell-to-body battery structure integrates the battery as a structural component, enhancing rigidity and freeing up interior space.

Performance

• Standard Model: A single rear motor produces 235 kW (315 hp) and 528 Nm of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.
• Pro Model: Dual motors deliver 365 kW (489 hp) and 690 Nm, reducing the 0-100 km/h time to 4.3 seconds.
• Max Model: With 508 kW (681 hp) and 866 Nm, the Max model sprints to 100 km/h in a blistering 3.2 seconds, rivaling high-performance SUVs.

The YU7 features a double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link rear suspension, with the Max model including dual-chamber air suspension for adjustable stiffness and height (180 mm standard, up to 222 mm at low speeds). Constant Damping Control (CDC) is standard across all trims, ensuring a balanced ride. The YU7 Max drives more like a lifted sedan than a traditional SUV, with precise steering and minimal body roll, making it a standout in its class.

Interior: Premium Comfort and Cutting-Edge Technology

The YU7’s interior is a showcase of premium materials and innovative technology, elevating it above competitors like the Tesla Model Y. The cabin combines luxury, functionality, and a futuristic user experience.

Materials and Comfort

• Premium Finishes: Alcantara lines the pillars and upper trims, while soft Nappa leather covers the seats and touchpoints. The two-tone color scheme (e.g., green and cream) adds sophistication.
• Seating: The front seats are zero-gravity with multiple adjustments, while the rear bench accommodates three average-sized adults comfortably. The rear seats recline up to 135 degrees and include a fold-down armrest with cup holders.
• Storage and Amenities: A 5.2-liter fridge under the rear seat keeps refreshments cool, and a 678-liter rear boot (expandable to 1,758 liters) offers ample storage. The boot is lined with carpet and includes a 12V socket, hooks, and deep storage compartments.

Technology and Connectivity

• Hypervision HUD: The 1.1-meter-wide head-up display (HUD) projects critical driving data onto the windshield with high clarity. Customizable graphics, including an animated otter or capybara assistant, add a playful touch.
• Wraparound Dashboard: The digital dashboard seamlessly integrates with the windshield, displaying navigation, multimedia, and vehicle status. Physical buttons for key functions ensure ease of use while driving.
• Magnetic Attachment System: The YU7 expands on the YU7’s magnetic mounts, offering powered hex-screw mounts for accessories like phone chargers and cameras. A versatile magnetic button can control dozens of functions, from opening the glovebox to adjusting lighting.
• Rear Entertainment: A detachable 6.6-inch touchscreen in the rear allows passengers to control media, climate, and seat functions. Additional USB-C ports and a modular magnetic rail support accessories like lights or cameras.
• Glass Roof: The panoramic glass roof transitions from clear to opaque in three minutes, reducing heat and glare. Ambient lighting and adjustable sun visors with customizable vanity mirror lighting enhance the cabin experience.
• Smart Features: The Xiaomi Hypertask system enables custom scenarios, such as adjusting seat cooling or home appliances based on specific conditions (e.g., arriving home). Integration with Xiaomi’s ecosystem allows seamless interaction with smart home devices.

The interior is both luxurious and practical, with thoughtful touches like a tissue holder, sunglass mount, and 80-watt wireless charging pads with cooling vents. The 25-speaker sound system delivers immersive audio, and the cabin’s soundproofing ensures a quiet ride.

Safety and Convenience Features

The YU7 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and convenience features, making it a standout in its segment.

• Driver Assistance: Powered by Nvidia’s Thor chip (700 TOPS), the YU7 includes lidar, cameras, and radar for city and highway navigation. A unique “privacy mode” disables all sensors and cameras for added security.
• Safety Features: Blind spot monitoring, parking assistance, and clearly marked emergency door unlocks (in bright orange) enhance safety. The double-glazed windows and robust cell-to-body structure add to occupant protection.
• Convenience: Voice-controlled bonnet opening, NFC key access, and soft-close doors streamline daily use. The adjustable air suspension and motion sickness relief mode ensure a comfortable ride, particularly for passengers sensitive to EV acceleration.

Driving Experience

The YU7 offers a driving experience that rivals high-performance sedans. Its agile handling, precise steering, and responsive accelerator pedal make it feel lighter than its SUV proportions suggest. The air suspension on the YU7 model provides excellent body control, minimizing roll in corners. Driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus) adjust power output and suspension, with Sport Plus unleashing the full 508 kW for exhilarating performance. The motion sickness relief mode softens regenerative braking and acceleration, ensuring a smooth ride in urban settings.

Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the YU7 offers lighter steering and a more wagon-like feel, which some drivers may prefer. Its handling is a highlight, with a level of agility rare among electric SUVs, making it a joy to drive on winding roads.

Pricing and Market Availability

As of July 2025, Xiaomi has not officially announced pricing for the YU7 Max, but estimates suggest: 350,000–450,000 CNY (~$50,000–$65,000 USD)

These prices position the YU7 Max as a premium yet accessible option, undercutting luxury competitors while offering comparable features. The YU7 is currently available to order in China, with plans for global expansion. Buyers can choose from Standard, Pro, and Max trims, with varying battery and performance options.

Conclusion: A New Standard for Electric SUVs

The Xiaomi YU7 has electrified the EV market, amassing over 200,000 preorders in just three minutes, a testament to its stunning design, cutting-edge technology, and compelling value proposition. With its spacious 141L frunk, premium Alcantara and Nappa leather interior, and innovative features like the 1.1m Hypervision HUD and magnetic attachment system, the YU7 sets a new standard for midsize electric SUVs. Its 101.7 kWh NMC battery delivers an impressive 760 km CLTC range and lightning-fast 12-minute charging, while the 681 hp powertrain and agile handling make it a thrill to drive.

The overwhelming demand, however, brings challenges, with delivery wait times potentially exceeding a year due to supply chain constraints. Questions also linger about the long-term reliability of its hardware and the scalability of its software system, particularly its Nvidia Thor-powered advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) with 700 TOPS. While Xiaomi’s ADAS, bolstered by lidar and extensive training data, shows promise, it faces a steep climb to match Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised, which benefits from years of real-world data and continuous over-the-air updates. A prior SU7 crash in assisted driving mode underscores the need for rigorous testing to ensure safety and consumer trust as Xiaomi scales production.

Despite these hurdles, the YU7’s early success signals a bright future. Xiaomi’s ability to deliver over 200,000 SU7 sedans in a year demonstrates its manufacturing prowess, and investments in a new Beijing factory aim to address supply bottlenecks. For buyers seeking a stylish, tech-forward, and high-performance electric SUV at a competitive price, the YU7 is a standout choice. As Xiaomi refines its software and ramps up production, it is poised to not only challenge Tesla’s Model Y but also redefine expectations in the global EV landscape, heralding an exciting era of innovation and competition.