Key Points:
- Xiaomi’s YU7 electric crossover, launched June 26, 2025, has received an estimated 280,800 to 315,900 orders in just 72 hours excluding online sales.
- The YU7 is priced aggressively at CNY 253,500 (approx. ₹30.2 lakh), undercutting the Tesla Model Y by nearly 4% and offering more range, power, and tech.
- The YU7 is available in three variants (Standard, Pro, Max), with up to 835 km range and 0-100 km/h in as little as 3.23 seconds.
- Xiaomi’s stock surged to record highs on the back of the launch, making it Asia-Pacific’s best-performing large-cap stock in 2025.
- The YU7’s launch signals a major shift in China’s EV market, with Tesla’s market share under increasing pressure from domestic competitors.
New Delhi: Less than 18 months after shaking up the EV market with the SU7 sedan, Xiaomi has launched its second electric vehicle the YU7 crossover SUV and it’s already rewriting the rulebook. Within just 72 hours of launch, Xiaomi’s 351 EV retail stores across China reported a staggering 280,800 to 315,900 lock-in orders for the YU7, not including online reservations. Xiaomi itself confirmed over 240,000 orders in the first 18 hours, and 200,000 in just the first three minutes after bookings opened.
Aggressive Pricing and Superior Specs: The Tesla Model Y’s Newest Challenger
The YU7 comes with a starting price of CNY 253,500 (approx. $35,300/₹30.2 lakh), making it nearly 4% cheaper than the Tesla Model Y in China. Yet, it offers more for less:
- Three Variants: Standard RWD, Pro AWD, and Max AWD
- Range: Up to 835 km (CLTC) on the Standard model, 770 km (Pro), and 760 km (Max), all outpacing the Model Y’s best of 719 km
- Performance: 0-100 km/h in 5.88 sec (Standard), 4.27 sec (Pro), and a blistering 3.23 sec (Max)
- Battery: 96.5 kWh LFP (Standard/Pro), 101.7 kWh NMC (Max), with 800V architecture for ultra-fast charging—10-80% in just 12-21 minutes
- Size: Larger and roomier than the Model Y, with a 3,000 mm wheelbase and a premium, tech-laden interior
Tech and Comfort: Xiaomi’s Signature Touch
Xiaomi leverages its electronics pedigree to pack the YU7 with smart features and luxury touches:
- Panoramic 1.1-meter “HyperVision” digital dashboard
- Zero-gravity massaging seats (front and rear, fully reclining)
- Advanced ADAS with roof-mounted LiDAR, Nvidia Thor superchip, and 23 sensors
- Deep integration with Xiaomi’s smart home ecosystem, customizable magnetic buttons, and a mini fridge option
- Ultra-quiet cabin with double-paned glass and active noise cancellation
Market Impact: Xiaomi’s Stock Soars, Tesla Feels the Heat
The YU7’s launch sent Xiaomi’s stock to record highs, surging as much as 8% and closing 3.6% higher, with a market cap now near $190 billion the best-performing large cap in Asia-Pacific this year. Analysts predict Xiaomi could ship up to 400,000 YU7s by the end of 2025, a figure that would have seemed aspirational just months ago.
Tesla’s share of China’s EV market has already dropped from 15% in 2020 to 7.6% in early 2025, and the YU7’s success is expected to accelerate this trend. Customers at Xiaomi showrooms are switching from Tesla and other premium brands, drawn by the YU7’s value, performance, and Xiaomi’s growing reputation for reliability.
Production and Delivery: Meeting Surging Demand
Xiaomi’s YU7 will be produced at its new F2 EV factory in Beijing, with initial deliveries set for July and mass production of custom orders from August. To keep up with demand, Xiaomi is already planning a third EV plant, aiming for a total annual capacity of 350,000 units.
The Road Ahead: A New Era in China’s EV Market
With the YU7, Xiaomi has proven it’s not just a tech giant dabbling in cars it’s a formidable automotive contender. The YU7’s blend of aggressive pricing, long range, luxury, and cutting-edge tech could redefine expectations in the world’s largest EV market, forcing Tesla and other rivals to rethink their strategies.
