Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun has hinted that the upcoming YU7 SUV will be a strong competitor to Tesla’s revamped Model Y. The YU7, set to be launched in June or July, is expected to offer stiff competition to Tesla’s crossover, which was recently refreshed in China.
Tesla’s launch of the updated Model Y in China was met with a bold statement implying that other models wouldn’t measure up to its capabilities. However, Lei Jun’s response on Weibo, where he has a massive following, simply said “Ok,” indicating that Xiaomi’s YU7 may pose a significant challenge to the Model Y.
Xiaomi’s car-making arm, Xiaomi EV, revealed the YU7 as its second EV model, following the successful launch of the SU7 electric sedan in 2024. With over 135,000 units delivered in its debut year, Xiaomi is gearing up to introduce the larger YU7 into the market.
The YU7 boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 4,999 mm in length, 1,996 mm in width, and 1,600 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm. Powered by dual electric motors generating a peak power of 220 kW and 288 kW for the front and rear motors respectively, the YU7 promises a top speed of 253 km/h.
Comparatively, the facelifted Model Y is slightly smaller in size, with dimensions of 4,797 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,624 mm in height. Weighing in at 1,921 kg and 1,992 kg for different variants, the Model Y offers a lighter build that may result in lower energy consumption.
The Model Y’s revamped versions come with varying battery capacities, offering impressive CLTC ranges of 593 kilometers and 719 kilometers for the rear-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive versions respectively. These enhancements position the Model Y as a formidable contender in the electric SUV market.
As Xiaomi prepares to unveil the YU7, the stage is set for a compelling battle between two prominent players in the electric vehicle industry. With Lei Jun’s confident stance and the YU7’s promising specifications, consumers can expect an exciting showdown between Xiaomi and Tesla in the near future.
