Xiaomi has, on May 21 (China time), unveiled the Xiaomi YU7. For a moment, it feels like déjà vu, but it is not. It is just Xiaomi adding two new models to the first generation of the YU7. There’s a new standard model, introduced in response to consumer requests, and a new performance version wearing the GT badge. Folks, meet the new YU7 and the new YU7 GT.
Xiaomi YU7 Standard Edition
Let’s talk about the new standard model because, in an interesting twist, this model is the new standard. The previous standard model is now referred to as the “Long-Range Model,” joining the Pro and Max models. So, all told, there are now four YU7 models, plus a performance model, the GT.
Xiaomi’s decision to introduce a slightly shorter-range YU7 stemmed from a realization. Despite the original standard model having higher specs and longer range than the entry-level and even the Long Range Tesla Model Y—while also being cheaper—it still failed to outsell the Model Y in China. Xiaomi was stumped until one day CEO Lei Jun heard a Tesla owner say that 500-600 kilometers (311-373 miles) of range is good enough for urban use. Lei interpreted this as meaning that when customers do not require certain features—in this case, extra range—even an already affordable price tag can start to feel a little high.
So Xiaomi dug into its original plan, where there was actually a shorter-range YU7, and turned it into the new entry-level model.
If you ask me, that reasoning is pretty nonsensical, especially when you realize that the new standard model is basically everything the previous standard model was, except with a smaller 73 kWh battery pack, a projected CLTC range of 643 km (400 miles), and a different suspension setup featuring a double wishbone front suspension and rear multi-link setup.
Performance remains the same. This means it still benefits from the Xiaomi Super Electric Motor V6S Plus with 320 PS and 528 Nm (389 lb-ft) of torque at your disposal, affording the car a 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph). It is still built on the 752V Silicon Carbide Platform, but since the battery has a smaller capacity, fast charging from 10-80% now takes 20 minutes, one minute quicker than before.
Other spec-sheet details and features include front fixed four-piston brake calipers, Xiaomi Jiaolong chassis, Xiaomi HAD advanced driver assistance, LiDAR, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 cockpit chip, 700 TOPS NVIDIA Thor chip, 4D millimeter-wave radar, ultrasonic radar and HD cameras, Xiaomi HyperVision panoramic display, front seats with memory/heating/ventilation, heated steering wheel, rear 135-degree luxury power seats, rear heated seats, a 14-speaker premium audio system, powered tailgate, power retractable door handles, four-door laminated acoustic glass, triple silver-coated windshield, vanity mirrors with three-level brightness/color temperature adjustment (yes, really!), electronic password glove box, nine magnetic mounting points throughout the cabin, and blind-spot monitoring on the side mirrors.
In order to compete with the Tesla Model Y, the new entry model is 20,000 yuan (~US$2,940) cheaper than the next model up, the Long-Range Model a.k.a. the previous entry-level model, at 233,500 yuan [CH] (around US$34,322).
Xiaomi YU7 GT
As for the Xiaomi YU7 GT, it is not the YU7 Max with a bunch of extras. Save for the shared silhouette, the GT has a lot going on that enables it to lap the Nürburgring in 7:34.931 minutes, wiping out the previous record holder, the Audi RS Q8 Performance, to become the fastest SUV to do so. Granted, it was not a stock YU7 GT that did it; it was equipped with the Track Package professional track setup.
The YU7 GT packs a dual-motor high-performance all-wheel-drive setup capable of launching the SUV from 0-100 km/h in just 2.92 seconds before topping out at 300 km/h (186 mph). Power comes in at a ridiculous 1,003 PS (738 kW), courtesy of Xiaomi’s Super Motor V8S EVO system and an 897V silicon carbide platform.
It has a completely different handling setup, too. The YU7 GT features a closed dual-chamber air suspension system, dual-valve CDC adaptive dampers, an oversized integrated front brake setup, rear six-piston calipers, an electronic limited-slip differential, and Michelin tires measuring 265/40 R21 up front and 295/35 R21 at the rear. Xiaomi also fitted what it calls the Jiaolong Chassis Master Edition.
Range is quoted at 705 km (438 miles) on the CLTC cycle from a 101.7 kWh ternary lithium battery. Fast charging from 10-80 percent takes just 12 minutes.
Like the rest of the stable, it is loaded with tech, including Xiaomi’s HAD advanced driver assistance, LiDAR, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 cockpit chip, NVIDIA Thor with 700 TOPS computing power, 4D millimeter-wave radar, ultrasonic radar, and HD cameras.
Inside, it goes full luxury-tech mode with Xiaomi’s panoramic “Sky Screen” display, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, rear power seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, 25-speaker premium audio, soft-close doors, laminated acoustic glass, and an electronic password glove box like its lesser siblings. Because why not, right? I mean, back in the day, glove boxes just had a key.
The Xiaomi YU7 GT is available now to order in China starting at 389,990 yuan [CH] (about US$57,324).
Images: Xiaomi EV [CH].
