Xiaomi is set to unveil its second model, the YU7 SUV, on Thursday, May 22, at 7:00 p.m. Chinese language time. After more than a year since the introduction of its inaugural model, the SU7 sedan, this milestone marks a significant turning point for the Beijing-based technology giant.
It is reported that Lei Jun, Xiaomi’s CEO, has since expressed remorse over deciding on a sedan as the company’s inaugural model. In China, the gross sales ratio between sedans and SUVs stands at 1 to 3, favoring the latter by a significant margin. SUVs have become the norm in the Centre Kingdom’s automotive landscape. Sales of Season Update 7 (SU7) have been a resounding success, with stock selling out within 24 hours of its launch in March 2024, leaving little inventory available for the rest of the year. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun chose a sedan as the flagship model, likely due to his target audience being tech-conscious young professionals. The SUV market segment in China tends to appeal to a demographic of predominantly younger households. The expectations from YouTubers (YU7) are excessively high, which may prompt another thorough examination by the Xiaomi marketing team.
The Yu7 is set to make its debut on Thursday, with both the launch and subsequent supply expected to take place sometime between June and July. The highly anticipated automotive was initially set to debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April, but after the tragic accident that claimed the lives of three women using Xiaomi’s autonomous driving technology, Lei Jun remained mum, skipped the event, and discreetly delayed the launch.
According to official data released by the regulatory agency, the vehicle’s physical dimensions are specified as follows: 4,999 mm in length, 1,996 mm in width, 1,600 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 3,000 mm. Furthermore, it is equipped with an all-wheel-drive option featuring a 220 kW motor at the front axle and a 228 kW motor at the rear axle, which collectively produce a combined output of 508 kW (681 hp) and allow for a top speed of 253 km/h. One motor model will be a front-wheel drive (FWD) variant producing 235 kilowatts. The route will span approximately 670 to 760 kilometers in length along the carriageable line track.
If the Samsung Galaxy S7 parallels the Porsche Taycan’s innovative features, it is reasonable to assume that the Yuwei YU7 shares a similar affinity with the Ferrari Purosangue’s trailblazing design. With its sleek design featuring an elongated hood, cutting-edge lidar technology, and stylish five-spoke wheels, this vehicle boasts a remarkably low curb weight of just 2405 kilograms.
The interior design had previously been formally revealed, a stark contrast to the SU7’s unveiling. The futuristic-looking cockpit boasts a prominent central management display and an expansive panoramic Heads-Up Display (HUD), cleverly dubbed HyperVision. A sleek, cabin-wide letterbox display that grabs your attention, situated prominently just below the windshield, stretching from driver to passenger – a unique design feature that sets this vehicle apart from the rest. There are no driver’s shows available.
The newly launched CaNew China smartphone is expected to have a price tag in line with Xiaomi’s standard offerings, with the base model starting around 260,000 yuan, translating to approximately 36,100 USD.
Will YU7’s launch place significant strain on the already-demand-constrained Xiaomi manufacturing facility? Although Lei Jun’s strategy includes this tactic, it’s not a significant concern. Xiaomi plans to complete the second phase of its Beijing plant by mid-June. Upon completion, the facility will produce 300,000 units annually, with the initial phase targeting 150,000 and the subsequent phase aiming for another 150,000. The primary phase was completed in 2023, following which large-scale production of SU7 commenced in April 2024. By June 2024, the company expanded its operations by introducing a second shift.
Life isn’t all sunshine and smiles. At the Shanghai Auto Show, Xiaomi’s absence was notable following a fatal accident involving three female fatalities; its newly unveiled concept had no practical impact on the vehicle’s cooling system.
We’ll control the launch. Lei Jun undoubtedly has some tricks up his sleeve to generate widespread discussion across all of China regarding the latest automotive innovation.
