Xiaomi launches electric SUV YU7 and own chip in bold move to rival Tesla and Apple (X @leijun)
Xiaomi officially unveiled its first electric SUV, the YU7, during an event celebrating the company’s 15th anniversary.
The launch marks a new step for the Chinese brand into the automotive sector, consolidating efforts started with the SU7 sedan, which has already sold over 258,000 units.
The YU7 will hit the market in July, with three motorization versions and a range of up to 835 km. The model promises impressive performance: the most powerful version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds. Its modern design and luxury features, such as massage seats and a full entertainment system, aim to compete with models from Tesla and Porsche.
With generous dimensions and sophisticated finish, the YU7 is built on the Modena platform and bets on technological innovation. It features a digital cabin with three Mini LED screens, a premium sound system, and keyless access via UWB technology. Additionally, all versions offer ultra-fast charging, capable of adding up to 620 km of range in 15 minutes.
The vehicle’s structure uses high-strength materials and has undergone rigorous safety tests, including a battery protected against severe impacts.
Alongside the new car, Xiaomi announced the Xring O1 chip, internally designed and based on a 3-nanometer architecture. The company invested about $1.87 billion in its development, positioning itself as a direct competitor to Apple and Qualcomm. The chip debuts in the Xiaomi 15S Pro smartphone and promises superior performance, even under heavy use such as intense gaming. With this, Xiaomi aims to reduce its dependence on external suppliers like Qualcomm and MediaTek.
Xiaomi’s bet on electric vehicles and semiconductors reflects a broader movement by China to reduce its reliance on foreign technologies. Even after a fatal accident with the SU7 that triggered criticism of the company’s autonomous models’ safety, Xiaomi reaffirms its confidence in this market and plans to invest $7 billion in chips over the next 10 years.
With this dual advance in electric mobility and microprocessors, the brand signals its ambition to become a fully integrated tech giant.
Source: CNN / InsideEVs | Photo: X @leijun | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
We redesigned the signature halo taillight to extend our family design language into the YU7. It’s now sharper, more sculpted, and shaped to reflect the power of an SUV. https://t.co/SxXnx2aK3D
— Lei Jun (@leijun) May 22, 2025
