© ROOT-NATION.com - Use of content is permitted with a backlink.
Xiaomi has introduced a novelty in its crossover lineup. The manufacturer has officially presented a new entry-level SUV YU7 Standard Edition. The novelty is directly aimed at competing with the Tesla Model Y, as it will cost several thousand dollars cheaper, but will have a longer range – 643 km versus 593 km for the Model Y.
The company’s management is openly talking about serious competition in the electric car market. CEO Lei Jun said that the initial pricing strategy of the model did not work, because after the electric crossover debuted on the market in June last year, the difference in price between the basic version of the YU7 and the Tesla Model Y was about €1,240. Such a slight advantage did not convince enough buyers to abandon Tesla.
To change the situation, Xiaomi has redesigned the model range. The previous base version was labeled Long Range Edition, and below it is the new Standard Edition with a starting price of about $32400. Thanks to this, the difference between the basic Xiaomi YU7 and Tesla Model Y is now about $4350 in favor of the Chinese manufacturer.
The new base version has a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle. Its power is 235 kW, or 315 hp. The electric vehicle is equipped with a 73 kWh LFP battery manufactured by CATL. Due to the elimination of the second electric motor, the electric vehicle has become 115 kg lighter than the previous base version. The total weight of the crossover is now 2200 kg. According to the CLTC cycle, the new YU7 Standard Edition can cover up to 643 km on a single charge.
At the same time, the Chinese electric car has received equipment that is usually offered in more expensive configurations, such as an active adaptive chassis with a two-chamber air suspension, adjustable shock absorbers, LiDAR, and a high-performance NVIDIA computing platform. Owners will also have access to highway navigation, city traffic assistance and automatic parking.
Read also: Car reviews
The launch of the affordable version was an important step for Xiaomi. After the first large orders were fulfilled, demand for the YU7 began to decline, and Tesla began to regain its sales leadership. However, the company is not only focusing on mass models. Along with the more affordable version, Xiaomi has introduced the YU7 GT sports variant, which is supposed to demonstrate the brand’s technological capabilities.
The starting price of the YU7 GT is approximately $54,200. The GT Sports Kit package is also available for the model, for which you will have to pay a little over $2000. The maximum equipment is estimated at about $63200. With a wheelbase of 3000 mm, the electric vehicle has dimensions of 5015×2007×1597 mm. This version uses an 897-volt architecture and a 101.7 kWh battery. Fast charging allows you to get 570 km of range in just 15 minutes. The total range on the local test cycle reaches 705 km.
Read also: How Škoda Driver Assistance Systems Work: From Sensors to Algorithms
The flagship version is equipped with a proprietary electric motor capable of reaching up to 28,000 rpm. Together with the front electric motor, the system provides 738 kW, or 990 hp. Thanks to this, the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.92 seconds and reach a top speed of 300 km/h. Recently, we wrote that this model set a new record among production SUVs on the Nürburgring circuit, completing a lap in 7 minutes 34.931 seconds. The interior features alcantara upholstery, soundproof glass, a 25-speaker audio system, and an active noise cancellation system. All seats have a massage function.
Since its debut, Xiaomi has already delivered 23,000 YU7 series vehicles and surpassed the 600,000 electric vehicles delivered in less than two years of the automotive division’s operation. With the new lineup, the tech giant expects to deliver 550000 electric vehicles by the end of 2026.
Read also:
- The electric revolution is for everyone: Škoda’s new people’s SUV Epiq is declassified
- Challenge for Chinese EV makers: Jeep maker announces compact E-Car for less than $18,000