Xiaomi enters premium SUV segment with new YU7

Chinese smartphone firm Xiaomi has entered the competitive SUV segment with its new YU7.

Following on from the SU7 saloon, the new YU7 has been designed to take on the likes of the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6.

Equipped with a 96kWh battery, the YU7 has a claimed electric range of up to 519 miles – though those figures come from the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle, which is less stringent than the WLTP testing process.

As standard, the YU7 comes with a single motor on the rear axle which develops 320bhp, while high-performance Pro and Max models upgrade this to a dual-motor setup with 496bhp and 690bhp, respectively. That most powerful version can manage the 0-60mph sprint in under 3.2 seconds, too.

The exterior of the YUZ has been designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind, with flush door handles helping the car to maintain a smooth exterior when it’s on the move. Xiaomi says that the YU7 also has 10 through-flow air channels and 19 optimised vents which help to direct airflow more effectively across the car. Three colourways – Emerald Green, Titanium Silver and Lava Orange – will be available from launch.

As you might expect from a smartphone company, the interior Xiaomi’s YU7 is packed with technology. There’s a large 16.1-inch infotainment display at the heart of it, while dual rear entertainment displays are there for rear-seat passengers too.

Ahead of the main infotainment display is a curved display called Xiaomi HyperVision Panoramic Display, which stretches the full width of the cabin and relays key information back to the driver. It can even display lyrics to the song that you’re listening to, or give extra information about local traffic and weather conditions.

While Xiaomi hasn’t stated that it will sell cars in the UK, the influx of Chinese-made cars means that there’s a good chance that this car maker could soon be bringing its vehicles here.