Beijing, China — Chinese technology giant Xiaomi is preparing to take the covers off its much-awaited YU7 electric SUV at a major event in Beijing on Thursday, 22 May 2025, as part of celebrations marking its 15th anniversary.
While the occasion is being promoted as a tribute to Xiaomi’s evolution over the years, industry analysts suggest the event will signal something far more significant — a deepening commitment to China’s booming electric vehicle (EV) industry and an aggressive push into the semiconductor space.
Just four years after announcing its plans to enter the EV market, Xiaomi has established itself as a serious contender in the highly competitive sector. Following the successful launch of its first EV, the SU7 electric sedan, in March 2024, the company is now targeting the SUV segment — a space dominated by models like Tesla’s Model Y — with the unveiling of the YU7.
A Quick Recap: SU7 and Xiaomi’s Rapid EV Ascent
Xiaomi’s EV journey began in 2021, and by March 2024, the SU7 sedan was officially launched. Despite scepticism from established automakers and critics, the SU7 quickly shattered expectations. In just 119 days, Xiaomi delivered over 200,000 units, signalling robust demand and customer confidence in the brand’s entry into the EV market.
April 2025 saw Xiaomi shipping over 28,000 SU7 units, further cementing its presence in China’s domestic EV space. Though the sedan faced some scrutiny after an unfortunate accident in March — which claimed three lives — and a few complaints on social media regarding quality control, its commercial performance remains strong.
Now, Xiaomi’s ambitions appear to be shifting toward capturing a larger slice of the SUV segment with the launch of the YU7.
Xiaomi YU7: Specifications and Performance
While Xiaomi has yet to fully reveal the YU7’s specifications officially, regulatory filings from late 2024 provide a clear picture of what the company is preparing to unleash.
Technical Specifications (As per filings):
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Length: 4,999 mm
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Width: 1,996 mm
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Height: 1,600 mm
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Wheelbase: 3,000 mm
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Kerb Weight: 2,405 kg (approx. 5,302 lbs)
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Top Speed: 253 km/h (157 mph)
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Motor Setup: Dual motors – front (220 kW) and rear (288 kW)
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Battery: Ternary lithium-ion battery provided by CATL (capacity not disclosed)
These specifications place the YU7 firmly in the premium electric SUV category, offering performance benchmarks that directly challenge the Tesla Model Y — widely regarded as the global standard in its class.
According to automotive experts, the YU7’s large wheelbase and aerodynamic design could potentially allow for greater interior comfort, optimised battery range, and high-speed stability, making it a prime candidate for long-distance intercity driving.
YU7 Launch: No Delay Despite Media Reports
On Wednesday, Bloomberg reported that the YU7’s launch may face delays and may not enter mass production by June or July 2025 as earlier expected. However, Xiaomi swiftly rejected those claims.
In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo, Xiaomi’s head of Public Relations, Wang Hua, clarified that “the launch timeline has not been changed,” reaffirming that the vehicle would still be available by mid-2025, with deliveries likely starting in late June or July.
Xiaomi’s Broader Strategy: More Than Just an SUV
Thursday’s event will not be limited to the YU7. Xiaomi will also unveil several other flagship products:
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Its first-ever custom-designed smartphone chip, named Xring O1
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The premium Xiaomi 15S Pro smartphone
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A high-performance Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra tablet
These simultaneous launches reflect Xiaomi’s strategy to build a highly integrated digital ecosystem, similar to what companies like Apple and Huawei are doing through vertically integrated hardware and software experiences. The aim is clear: to lock users into a Xiaomi-centric lifestyle that spans smartphones, smart homes, and smart mobility.
Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, called this expansion a “strategic leap” and emphasised that “a great hard-tech company must conquer chip development.” The company has reportedly invested over 13.5 billion yuan (approx. $1.87 billion) into semiconductor research and plans to inject another 50 billion yuan over the next decade.
Challenges and Public Perception
Despite its achievements, Xiaomi’s EV division has not been without setbacks. The SU7 sedan was involved in a fatal crash earlier this year, leading to safety concerns. In addition, reports of manufacturing inconsistencies — such as panel gaps and faulty door sensors — have emerged online. Recent insurance registration data reveals that weekly SU7 registrations have dropped to just 5,180 units, down from previous highs.
Analysts believe the early reveal of the YU7, ahead of full-scale delivery in mid-2025, is a deliberate move to shift public attention back to Xiaomi’s innovation, and away from the negative press surrounding the SU7.
Will the YU7 Reach Pakistan-Administered Kashmir?
As interest in electric mobility gains traction in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, many wonder whether Xiaomi will extend its automotive offerings to this region. While there is no official word yet, several factors suggest it could be a viable market in the future:
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A growing number of environmentally conscious consumers
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Rising fuel prices are driving demand for alternatives
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Increasing urbanisation in cities like Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and Mirpur
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Government interest in expanding EV charging infrastructure
Xiaomi has already expanded its smartphone and electronics distribution networks across Pakistan-administered Kashmir. If supportive infrastructure and import policies align, there’s potential for Xiaomi’s EV line — including the YU7 — to make its way to the region by late 2025 or early 2026, possibly through third-party importers or direct partnership with local distributors.
Launch Event Details
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Product: Xiaomi YU7 Electric SUV
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Event Theme: A New Start for Xiaomi’s 15th Anniversary
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Date: Thursday, 22 May 2025
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Time: 7:00 PM (Beijing Time)
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Location: Xiaomi Headquarters, Beijing
A Defining Moment for Xiaomi’s EV Future
The unveiling of the YU7 is expected to play a crucial role in Xiaomi’s bid to cement itself as a global EV powerhouse. With impressive specs, competitive positioning, and integration into Xiaomi’s wider tech ecosystem, the YU7 could emerge as a serious disruptor in the premium SUV segment.
As Xiaomi builds momentum and global attention turns towards the EV market in Asia, the question is no longer whether Xiaomi can compete with Tesla — but how far and how fast it can go.
Whether the YU7 will roll into the streets of Pakistan-administered Kashmir remains to be seen — but if early indicators are anything to go by, demand will not be in short supply.
