Can the Xiaomi YU7 compete with the refreshed Model Y?

Amidst great anticipation, Xiaomi's second product, the SUV model "Xiaomi YU7," has finally unveiled its mysterious veil.

Shortly after the "ID photo" was released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Xiaomi founder Lei Jun posted on social media to provide additional explanations for the initial appearance of the Xiaomi YU7.

Lei Jun stated that the Xiaomi YU7 is expected to be launched in June or July 2025.

With only six months left to present it to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology for public announcement, Xiaomi's goal is to "unseal" the YU7 as early as possible, removing the disguise and conducting large-scale road tests to help Xiaomi better refine the product.

However, considering the promotional rhythm of last year's Xiaomi SU7, it is predictable that Xiaomi is adopting a marketing strategy of warming up four to five months in advance.

Of course, there are still some mysteries surrounding the Xiaomi YU7, such as "What is the meaning behind this name?" and "What are the specific parameter configurations?"

We currently have no answers to the former, while for the latter, we can glean some insights from the product announcement page of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

01 Who is this?

What kind of entity is the Xiaomi YU7? Based on the official renderings released by Lei Jun, along with the "ID photo" from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and some parameters, we can draw a rough conclusion: This is an SUV built on the same platform as the Xiaomi SU7, with a design that has certain family characteristics, likely still emphasizing sporty driving control.

Let's discuss this step by step.

1. Family Design

The "ID photo" released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology accurately showcases the design details of the Xiaomi YU7.

The most basic feature is that the Xiaomi YU7 has a front and rear light group design similar to that of the Xiaomi SU7: the front light group features a "米" character pattern, while the rear light group still has the familiar "Saturn ring," although the size and shape have been adjusted.

The official comparison renderings released by Lei Jun can more intuitively show the design differences between the Xiaomi YU7 and the Xiaomi SU7. The front and rear bumpers, the raised lines on the front hood, and even the side waistline of the Xiaomi YU7 are very similar to those of the Xiaomi SU7, no wonder some netizens commented, "The YU7 is just a taller and wider SU7."

In addition to the slight adjustment in the design style of the rear taillights mentioned above, the Xiaomi YU7 currently showcases two sets of wheels, one of which features a brand new design centered around rotating symmetrical lines.

The tire sizes available are 19 inches, 20 inches, and 21 inches; the door handles have been changed from semi-hidden to pop-up, which may become a highlight in Lei Jun's future product launch speeches.

In terms of basic size data, the Xiaomi YU7 measures 4999×1996×1600mm, with a wheelbase of 3000mm—the same wheelbase further proves that this is a product from the same platform as the Xiaomi SU7. The changes in length, width, and height correspond to the product characteristics of the SUV category, which pursues greater vertical space.

There is considerable controversy online regarding the exterior design of the Xiaomi YU7. After communicating with some SU7 owners, they believe that the same design looks more harmonious on the SU7, while the YU7 appears to have "proportions that are off."

Ultimately, the design quality of the Xiaomi YU7 will still be judged by market performance. Whether the actual vehicle will bring us visual surprises remains to be seen.

2. Powerful Performance

As a product from the same platform, the Xiaomi YU7's parameters are closely aligned with those of the Xiaomi SU7.

In terms of power, data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology shows that the currently declared version of the Xiaomi YU7 is equipped with front and rear dual motors, model numbers YS210XY103/TZ220XY109, manufactured by Suzhou Inovance Technology Co., Ltd., which can output 220kW and 288kW of power, respectively.

In total, the Xiaomi YU7 can output a total power of 508kW, equivalent to approximately 690Ps, with a maximum speed of 253km/h.

Based on this data, the power output of the Xiaomi YU7 has already surpassed that of the Xiaomi SU7 Max, which is the all-wheel-drive version. The latter has a total power of 495kW, equivalent to approximately 673Ps.

However, considering that SUV models are heavier (the Xiaomi YU7's equipped weight and total weight are 2405Kg and 2855Kg, respectively), it is common in the industry for SUVs of the same class to have greater horsepower compared to sedans

In terms of batteries, the Xiaomi YU7 is equipped with a ternary lithium battery pack, with specific parameters such as capacity and performance yet to be announced.

Based on the above performance parameters, the Xiaomi YU7 (the declared version) is likely to have a 0-100 km/h acceleration capability in the 5-second range, possessing certain sporty attributes. The laser radar shown in the official photo also indicates that this is a mid-range or higher model, which will support the complete Xiaomi Pilot Max advanced driving assistance.

3. Any backup plan?

Currently, the known information is quite limited, and the Xiaomi YU7 is still in the early stages of its debut. How many versions will be available in the future and how the product will be positioned will depend on further disclosures from the official sources.

However, taking the Xiaomi SU7 series as a reference, we have reason to speculate that the Xiaomi YU7 will also be divided into three basic SKUs: standard version, Pro version, and Max version, with comfort configurations, power performance, and battery endurance being the main factors distinguishing these SKUs.

As for the Ultra version—this will depend on how Xiaomi positions the Xiaomi YU7.

Generally speaking, SUVs do not emphasize "high performance," especially among Chinese brand new energy vehicles, with almost no precedent for emphasizing "high performance" except for the Lotus Eletre.

Moreover, the task of pursuing "extreme" performance has already been assigned to the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, which is indeed a more suitable vehicle for that purpose. Overall, the necessity for the Xiaomi YU7 to launch an "Ultra" version is not very high.

On the other hand, the Xiaomi YU7 is scheduled to be launched in June and July 2025, which is nearly 3 months slower than the Xiaomi SU7.

There may be two reasons for this: firstly, it is affected by the delay of the NVIDIA Thor driving chip, and Xiaomi hopes that the YU7 will be one of the first models to feature Thor; secondly, it is waiting for the completion of the second-phase factory for Xiaomi automobiles.

From the currently known information, the Xiaomi YU7 does not show significant differences in exterior design or basic power parameters compared to the Xiaomi SU7, and Xiaomi cannot miss out on the selling point of "first to feature the Thor chip."

The second reason is easier to understand; currently, the first-phase factory of Xiaomi automobiles is already operating at full capacity just to produce the SU7. Without the production capacity of the second-phase factory as support, an early launch of the YU7 would also face serious delivery issues.

Additionally, the Xiaomi YU7 will not only face competition from itself but also direct competition with benchmark models, which is likely to be a hot topic throughout 2025

02 Strong Enemies Surrounding

Since its official launch at the end of March, the Xiaomi SU7 has gradually become a regular in the top ten sales list, with monthly deliveries steadily reaching over 10,000 units, rising to 20,000 units in November.

Such a background story naturally leads to speculation: in the more popular SUV segment, can the Xiaomi YU7 create another sales "miracle" or even disrupt the current market landscape?

However, what stands in front of the Xiaomi YU7 is the towering presence of the Tesla Model Y.

1. A Direct Competition

Looking back at the sales performance over the past year, the Tesla Model Y has firmly held the title of sales champion in the Chinese SUV market with 478,000 units sold, making it an almost insurmountable presence in the new energy segment.

In February of this year, Tesla launched the 2024 Model Y in the Chinese market, with the main upgrade being the vehicle's computing hardware, which has been upgraded from HW3.0 to HW4.0, enhancing the limits of intelligent driving hardware capabilities.

The first aspect of the Xiaomi YU7's competition with the Tesla Model Y is reflected in its size. The dimensions of the Tesla Model Y are 4750×1921×1624mm, with a wheelbase of 2890mm.

It can be seen that the Xiaomi YU7 is overall larger than the Model Y, although slightly shorter in height—likely a compromise made to optimize the drag coefficient. If the Xiaomi YU7 can ensure sufficient longitudinal space in the passenger cabin, a lower body may actually become a visual advantage.

In terms of direct power comparison, the Xiaomi YU7 boasts a comprehensive power of up to 508kW, surpassing the Tesla Model Y Performance version's 357kW. In terms of driving control, with the Xiaomi SU7 as a reference, the handling of the YU7 may be a highlight, placing it on par with the Model Y.

However, in terms of crucial range capability, we can only speculate based on existing information.

Still based on the Xiaomi SU7 for reverse inference, the CLTC range that the Xiaomi YU7 can provide should be between 600km and 800km. Coupled with Xiaomi's good energy consumption control, the actual usable range of the YU7 is very likely to exceed 450km.

In comparison, the CLTC range of the 2024 Model Y is between 554km and 615km, making the two comparable.

The variable is that rumors suggest Tesla's true "refresh" of the Model Y will debut in 2025, with one of the upgrades being that the battery capacity of the long-range version may increase to 95kWh, potentially breaking the 800km range. If the rumors are true, the major facelift of the Model Y will welcome the biggest upgrade since its release. If the price remains unchanged, its competitiveness compared to the current model will significantly improve.

Based on the above information, the conclusion drawn is that the Xiaomi YU7 has certain advantages in paper specifications compared to the 2024 Model Y. However, if it faces the major facelifted Model Y in the future, the difficulty of "defeating the Model Y" will obviously increase.

To recap, the Xiaomi SU7 is a product "built to the specifications of the Model S, compared to the Model 3." With the monthly sales of the Xiaomi SU7 surpassing the Model 3, it symbolizes the initial success of Xiaomi's automotive benchmarking strategy.

Whether a similar benchmarking strategy can be applied to the YU7 and Model Y remains to be seen.

2. The watchful competitors

The main competitor of the Xiaomi YU7 is not only the Tesla Model Y. Recently launched domestic pure electric SUVs in the price range of 200,000 to 300,000 yuan are likely to be strong rivals for the Xiaomi YU7.

For example, the ZhiJie R7 produced by Hongmeng Zhixing is one of the representative products. In terms of paper specifications alone, the ZhiJie R7 is also a formidable opponent.

In terms of dimensions, the ZhiJie R7 measures 4956×1981×1634mm, with a wheelbase of 2950mm.

It can be seen that the size advantage of the Xiaomi YU7 is no longer obvious, making it harder for consumers to perceive the differences in exterior dimensions between the two.

In terms of power, the Xiaomi YU7 has a relatively prominent advantage: the comprehensive power of the dual-motor version of the ZhiJie R7 is 365kW, which is almost at the same level as the Model Y, but there is a significant gap compared to the dual-motor version of the Xiaomi YU7.

As for electrical performance, the ZhiJie R7 offers a full 800V architecture, with the version equipped with a 100kWh battery pack achieving a range of 802km (CLTC conditions), while the version with the shortest range can still provide a CLTC range of 667km.

Range and charging may be one of the most challenging aspects for the Xiaomi YU7 when competing with the ZhiJie R7.

Finally, in terms of intelligent driving, Huawei's QianKun intelligent driving has higher recognition and reputation in the market, while Xiaomi's intelligent driving system has yet to fully prove itself, indicating a gap between the two.

Perhaps, the NVIDIA Thor chip can help the Xiaomi YU7 tip the scales of victory in its favor. With a computational power advantage, the Xiaomi YU7 is expected to achieve a higher level of advanced intelligent driving and even L3 autonomous driving, forming an experiential advantage At the same time, the Xiaomi YU7 must seize the "latecomer advantage." Otherwise, as a model launched in the mid-25 years, if it cannot differentiate itself from competitors launched at the end of 24 in terms of product strength, it will severely weaken the appeal of the Xiaomi YU7.

In addition to "smart driving," there is still room for improvement in the Xiaomi YU7 in various aspects such as interior design, smart cockpit, intelligent chassis, and three-electric technology. "How Lei Jun perceives consumer SUV needs" and discovering standout product features similar to "sunshade glass" will also be a highlight for the YU7.

That said, the Xiaomi YU7 is ultimately a product built on the same platform as the Xiaomi SU7, which means its core experience will not differ significantly from the Xiaomi SU7.

Its value lies in supplementing Xiaomi's existing automotive product line, providing a new option for potential users of Xiaomi cars who have a "SUV necessity."

As for whether Xiaomi fans who haven't made a purchase will take the plunge, and whether the "general public" will be attracted to the Xiaomi YU7, these questions will accompany the Xiaomi YU7 and become one of the important reasons we look forward to in 2025.

Source: Electric Planet, original title: "Xiaomi YU7, Can It Compete with the Renewed Model Y?"

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