For years, the phrase ‘Tesla killer’ has been thrown around a bit too loosely, but the new Chinese EV Xiaomi YU7 might change that.
This might be the closest ‘Tesla killer’ yet.
This new EV from the Chinese electronics giant has specs that directly challenge Tesla’s Model Y, and in some areas, it’s clearly ahead.
With strong performance, long range, and sleek tech, the YU7 could be a real problem for Tesla in China.
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Let’s start with the important numbers.
The top version of the Xiaomi YU7 can travel up to 519 miles on a single charge, and even the mid-tier model manages around 466 miles.
For comparison, the Tesla Model Y Long Range tops out at about 447 miles.
In terms of speed, Xiaomi isn’t holding back either.
The dual-motor YU7 Max puts out 681 horsepower and goes from 0-62mph in just 3.2 seconds.
That’s significantly quicker than the Model Y Long Range AWD, which does the same in 4.3 seconds.
While Tesla still wins on efficiency, since it provides more range from smaller batteries, it’s not all good news.
Many customers only look at the final range number, so on paper, the Chinese EV wins.
In terms of looks, while they can be subjective, it’s clear that the Chinese electronics giant wanted the YU7 to feel fresh and premium.
It’s longer, wider, and lower than the Model Y, giving it a more aggressive stance.
Inside, it’s all tech.
There’s a panoramic heads-up display, Xiaomi’s HyperOS system, and even a rear-seat touchscreen.
Tesla, on the other hand, keeps things so minimalist that some people call it boring.
It has its fans, but with Tesla’s sales slipping in China, it could be a sign that Chinese customers are looking for something more exciting.
Xiaomi also uses Nvidia’s new Thor chip for its driver assistance features.
It’s a powerful AI platform with 700 TOPS of processing, which Xiaomi says enables high-level autonomous capabilities.
The YU7 isn’t just about fancy features, as it’s priced to compete.
The base model of the Chinese EV is expected to start around ¥250,000 in China, or about $34,700.
That’s cheaper than Tesla’s Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive, which starts at ¥263,500 (roughly $36,600).
Considering that China’s ‘Tesla killers’ in 2022 can cost up to $120,000, this is priced much more competitively.
The Chinese tech giant isn’t just dabbling in the car business either.
After the success of its SU7 sedan (which outsold Tesla’s Model 3 in China shortly after launch), the company plans to build and sell the YU7 at scale.
With Xiaomi’s factory being able to produce a car every 76 seconds, you can expect some serious volume.
Analysts expect as many as 360,000 units could be sold per year.
While Tesla still leads in many areas, especially efficiency and global brand recognition, the YU7 shows that in China, Chinese EVs are catching up fast.
With bold styling, cutting-edge tech, and a serious focus on value, the YU7 is the closest we’ve seen yet to a real Tesla killer.
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