Xiaomi SUV’s Tesla-Beating Pricing Sparks Frenzy With 289,000 Orders In An Hour

Update: Xiaomi has just announced pricing and range details for the new YU7, with the electric crossover starting at a reasonable RMB 253,500 (around $34,500 at current exchange rates) for the Standard ‘ultra-long-range’ rear-wheel-drive model. It boasts a claimed driving range of 830 km (516 miles) on the CLTC cycle and is powered by a single motor that delivers 315 hp (235 kW), accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds.

For those looking for all-wheel drive, the Pro version is available at RMB 279,900 ($37,900). Featuring the same 96.3 kWh LPF battery as the Standard model, it has dual motors producing a combined 489 hp (365 kW) and offers a claimed range of 770 km (478 miles), again, based on the optimistic CLTC cycle.

Finally, the Max model takes things up a notch with high-performance AWD capabilities, priced at RMB 329,900 ($44,700). The dual motors here produce a combined 681 hp (508 kW) and 866 Nm of peak torque, allowing for a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 3.23 seconds. The 101.7 kWh NMC battery provides a claimed range of 760 km (472 miles).

These prices undercut one of its most important rivals, the domestically made Tesla Model Y. It starts at RMB 263,000 ($35,200) for the RWD version, which hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds and offers 593 km (368 miles) of range on the CLTC cycle. The Long Range model starts at RMB 313,500 ($41,300), offering 719 km (446 miles) of range and a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 4.3 seconds. Tesla has yet to launch the flagship Performance version of the updated Model Y Juniper.

What’s even more impressive is Xiaomi’s claim on social media that it received over 289,000 orders for the YU7 within just an hour of opening pre-sales. The company noted that customers who place a 5,000 yuan deposit (about $670) before July 31 will receive a discount of 66,000 yuan ($8,800).

John Halas contributed to this story.

Original article continues below.

The electric SUV game just got a little more interesting. Xiaomi gave us our first look at the stylish YU7 last year, and now the crossover has officially been launched in China. It’s big news as the YU7 is the company’s second model and their first SUV, following the SU7. That sedan has been a runaway success in its home market, racking up 258,000 sales in just 14 months, including 28,000 deliveries in April alone.

The crossover follows in the footsteps of the SU7 and is a high-performance luxury SUV with an impressive design. It features a shark nose front end that is flanked by “waterdrop” headlights, which have channels that direct air out through the hood. Speaking of which, the crossover has the largest clamshell aluminum hood among mass-produced vehicles.

More: Xiaomi YU7 SUV Looks Like A Ferrari Purosangue And McLaren Rolled Into One

Aerodynamics played a huge role in the YU7’s development and the production model has “10 through-flow air channels and 19 optimized vents to manage airflow precisely.” They’re joined by aerodynamically optimized wheels and an active grille shutter system. Thanks to all this attention, the model has a drag coefficient of 0.245.

Since we’ve already seen the crossover before, we’ll just briefly mention a few highlights including flush-mounted door handles and a standard panoramic glass roof. They’re joined by a distinctive rear end with “halo” taillights and two spoilers. The model is being launched in three eye-catching colors – Emerald Green, Titanium Silver, and Lava Orange – and they contrast with gloss black accents.

In terms of size, the YU7 measures 196.8 inches (4,999 mm) long, 78.6 inches (1,996 mm) wide, and 63 inches (1,600 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 118.1 inches (3,000 mm). That means the crossover is 2.3 inches (58 mm) shorter than the Tesla Model X and has a 1.4-inch (35 mm) longer wheelbase.

Minimalist Interior, Maximalist Screens

While the exterior is stylish and expressive, the cabin is overly minimalist. It’s dominated by a 16.1-inch infotainment system and a HyperVision Panoramic Display, which sits at the base of the windshield.

The latter echoes BMW’s Panoramic iDrive Display and spans 43.3 inches. It’s customizable, but can act as a speedometer, a navigation display, and a front passenger display.

Putting screens aside, the crossover has Nappa leather zero-gravity front seats with one-touch recline and a 10-point massage function. They’re joined by power-adjustable rear seats with backrests that can tilt from 100° to 135°.

Rear seat passengers will also find dedicated climate controls and a dual-screen entertainment system. Other highlights include a wireless smartphone charger, hidden air vents, and soft-touch materials throughout.

The crossover can accommodate 23.9 cubic feet (678 liters) of luggage and that can be expanded to 62.1 cubic feet (1,758 liters) by folding the seats down. There’s also a small frunk, which provides 5 cubic feet (141 liters) of space.

Power, Range, and Charging Speed

Three different configurations are available and the entry-level YU7 has a single electric motor producing 316 hp (235 kW / 320 PS) and 389 lb-ft (528 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h). Buyers will also find a 96.3 kWh battery pack that delivers a CLTC range of 519 miles (835 km).

The mid-level YU7 Pro has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 489 hp (365 kW / 496 PS) and 509 lb-ft (690 Nm) of torque. This cuts the dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) to 4.3 seconds, but the top speed remains unchanged. Unfortunately, the range drops to 472 miles (760 km).

The range-topping YU7 Max has an upgraded dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 681 hp (508 kW / 690 PS) and 639 lb-ft (866 Nm) of torque. 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) comes in a blistering 3.2 seconds and drivers will eventually hit 157 mph (253 km/h) if they keep their foot planted on the accelerator. The Max is also notable for having a larger 101.7 kWh battery, which delivers 478 miles (770 km) of range.

When the battery is low, owners can go from a 10% to 80% charge in as little as 12 minutes. After 15 minutes, they can get up to 385 miles (620 km) of range.

The YU7 has a double wishbone front and five-link rear suspension with air springs. The latter provide five levels of adjustment, meaning the crossover can provide up to 8.7 inches (222 mm) of ground clearance. Other highlights include continuous damper control and a high-performance braking system with four-piston Brembo calipers.

Xiaomi also confirmed the crossover will have advanced driver assistance technology. This is made possible by a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, a 4D millimeter-wave radar, 11 high-definition cameras, and 12 ultrasonic radars.