Xiaomi’s first-ever SUV, the YU7, has taken the Chinese automotive market by storm, racking up an astonishing 200,000 pre-orders in just three minutes. The orders, requiring a 5,000 yuan deposit locked after seven days, highlight overwhelming consumer interest in Xiaomi’s latest electric vehicle (EV), which starts from 253,500 yuan (approximately S$47,200).
Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun admitted he was initially nervous about how the YU7 would perform compared to last year’s SU7 sedan. “My heart was pounding. All I wanted was for YU7 to do better than SU7,” Lei shared during a media interview after the launch event on 26 June 2025. As order numbers quickly soared past 200,000 within minutes of the event, Lei exclaimed “Oh my god!” while glued to his phone, reflecting the unprecedented demand.
The YU7’s official pricing announcement left the crowd buzzing. Xiaomi revealed the standard version would start at 253,500 yuan, the Pro version at 279,900 yuan, and the Max version at 329,900 yuan. Within the first hour of pre-orders, Xiaomi received nearly 289,000 locked deposits, far surpassing the SU7’s previous launch, which recorded 10,000 orders in four minutes and 20,000 in seven minutes.
Xiaomi Aims to Redefine Luxury EVs
Lei Jun emphasised that the YU7 marks Xiaomi’s official entry into the SUV battlefield, a segment dominated by fierce competitors like Tesla’s Model Y. He expressed confidence in YU7’s ability to stand out, describing it as a unique SUV designed for those who “cannot tolerate mediocrity” and who strive to stay ahead of the times.
Compared with Tesla’s Model Y, Lei highlighted the YU7’s superior specifications: the YU7 offers an impressive 835-kilometre range on a single charge, thanks to a 96.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery — exceeding Model Y’s range by 242 kilometres. Despite these enhancements, the YU7’s standard version is priced around 10,000 yuan less than Tesla’s comparable Model Y, which starts at 263,500 yuan.
Performance-wise, the YU7 can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.23 seconds, boasts a maximum power output of 508 kW (691 horsepower), and reaches a top speed of 253 km/h. Xiaomi proudly claims these numbers rank the YU7 first in range among mid-to-large pure electric SUVs, and also first in range among four-wheel-drive electric SUVs globally.
Confidence in Continued Demand for SU7
While some worried the YU7 launch might cannibalise sales of the SU7 sedan, Lei reassured investors and fans that both vehicles have distinct target audiences. “Initially, we expected SU7 to add about 10,000 new orders each month after YU7’s release,” he explained, “but we’ve already revised that forecast three times. Current estimates are for 13,000 to 14,000 new SU7 orders monthly.”
The YU7 Max version will be the first to hit the market, with deliveries starting in August 2025. Other YU7 orders will begin shipping thereafter, according to Xiaomi’s automotive app. Xiaomi’s ambitious production ramp-up aims to fulfil demand quickly and maintain customer enthusiasm.
Xiaomi Expands Product Ecosystem
At the same event, Lei announced a suite of new Xiaomi devices, reinforcing the company’s “Human x Car x Home” AIoT strategy. These included the Xiaomi Pad 7S Pro 12.5, Xiaomi 15 Ultra limited colour editions, Redmi K80 Ultra, Redmi K Pad, Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm, Xiaomi Smart Band 10, Xiaomi Open-Ear Pro headphones, and household devices like the Mijia High-Speed Hair Dryer Pro and the Mijia Robot Vacuum Mop M40 S.
Of particular note was Xiaomi’s first-generation AI glasses, launched in monochrome and colour electrochromic variants. These glasses feature a 12-megapixel camera for immersive photography, video recording, and support third-party apps for video calls and live streaming — all starting from 1,999 yuan (around S$370).
Lei also addressed concerns about Xiaomi’s use of contract manufacturing for its vehicles, clarifying that the company’s deep experience in manufacturing ensures quality and control. “People misunderstand contract manufacturing. Xiaomi designs most of its products and has the foundation to execute manufacturing well,” he emphasised.
Xiaomi’s explosive YU7 launch has not only set a new benchmark for the company’s automotive ambitions but also raised the stakes in China’s increasingly competitive EV market. Lei summed it up best: “Even if we can’t beat Tesla, we are not afraid to compete. Xiaomi is a company that refuses to back down.”