Xiaomi Wants YU7 To Be The Next Tesla Model Y Killer

Xiaomi has officially unveiled its second electric vehicle, the YU7 SUV, at a major event in China. It’s already shaping up to be one of the year’s most important EV launches becoming one of the fastest selling vehicles of all time. Just minutes after the reveal, the Chinese tech giant confirmed over 200,000 firm orders for the model, highlighting strong demand straight out of the gate.

Positioned directly against Tesla’s best-selling Model Y, the YU7 enters a competitive mid-to-large electric SUV segment with sharper pricing, a strong feature set, and bold ambitions. Xiaomi’s rapid rise in the EV world continues after the unexpected success of its SU7 sedan, which began deliveries only early last year.

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Xiaomi has confirmed that it plans to take its EVs global by 2027, raising the possibility that models like the YU7 could eventually land in markets like Australia.

Three Variants, Sharper Specs

Xiaomi is offering the YU7 in three variants: Standard, Pro, and Max. Each variant features different performance capabilities and battery specifications. The YU7 uses 800V architecture for quicker charging and comes with large battery packs across the board.

By comparison, Tesla’s Model Y Long Range AWD variant offers 719 km of CLTC range and does 0–100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, while the base RWD version manages 593 km and 5.9 seconds.

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Design, Dimensions and Charging

The YU7 sits on a larger footprint than the Model Y and is built to offer more cabin and cargo space. It’s a mid-to-large SUV with bold proportions and a sleek EV silhouette.

Xiaomi is also using an 800V electrical system across its range, a feature typically found in premium EVs. The YU7's 800v architecture allows for faster charging speeds compared to Tesla’s 400V architecture in the Model Y.

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Order Surge and Production Targets

The YU7 received over 200,000 orders within three minutes of launch. Xiaomi is already accepting deposits of RMB 5,000, refundable within seven days if the buyer does not confirm the order. Customers who lock in their orders by paying a non-refundable RMB 20,000 deposit could receive delivery within 1–5 weeks, according to Xiaomi’s app. Mass production is expected to ramp up quickly following the completion of its EV factory’s Phase 2 project.

Early buyers are also being offered promotional benefits of up to RMB 66,000 until July 31. Customers with pending SU7 orders can also switch to the YU7 before June 29.

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Zecar’s Take

Xiaomi’s YU7 might just be the most serious competitor the Tesla Model Y has faced in China. With sharper pricing, longer range, more powerful specs, and an aggressive go-to-market strategy, the YU7 has all the ingredients to challenge Tesla’s stronghold.

While outselling the Model Y in China would be an ambitious task for any newcomer, Xiaomi’s track record with the SU7, now outselling the Tesla Model 3, suggests it’s not out of reach. The company ramped up production faster than anyone expected, delivering over 180,000 SU7 units in just one year.

For now, the YU7 is only available in China, but with Xiaomi’s confirmed plans to expand globally starting in 2027, Australian buyers may eventually see this bold new player arrive on local shores. With its mix of performance, tech, and value, it’s certainly one to watch.