Xiaomi YU7 Takes Aim At Tesla Model Y: Here's How The Two EVs Stack Up
Compared side-by-side with the Chinese variant of the Tesla Model Y, the YU7 doesn't just compete — it outclasses in several key areas (at least on paper).
Xiaomi YU7 Vs Tesla Model Y: Tesla’s Model Y has enjoyed its time at the top of the EV food chain in China, but it may have finally met its match. Xiaomi — the Chinese tech behemoth known for smartphones and smart appliances — has officially unveiled its new electric SUV, the Xiaomi YU7, and the numbers are not just promising, they’re disruptive.
Compared side-by-side with the Chinese variant of the Tesla Model Y, the YU7 doesn't just compete — it outclasses in several key areas (at least on paper). From range to cabin tech, Xiaomi has packed the YU7 with aggressive specs aimed directly at Tesla's mid-sized SUV market. And while the final pricing remains under wraps for some versions, the base variant is expected to be priced lower than the entry-level Model Y — a move that could sting Tesla where it hurts most.
More Range, More Power, More Room
Let’s start with the basics. The Xiaomi YU7 measures 4,999mm in length with a longer 3,000mm wheelbase, offering more space than the Model Y’s 4,797mm body and 2,890mm wheelbase. It’s also wider and flatter, giving it a sleeker stance. Across variants, Xiaomi’s EV packs a punch: the YU7 Max delivers a staggering 508kW (681hp) and can go from 0-100 km/h in approximately 3.2 seconds. Compare that with the 4.3 seconds of the Model Y Long Range, and the difference is clear.
More importantly, Xiaomi has loaded the YU7 with a much bigger battery. While the Model Y tops out with a ~80 kWh pack, Xiaomi’s top trim boasts up to 101.7 kWh, translating into a CLTC range of 760 km — that’s over 40 km more than Tesla’s best. Even the standard RWD YU7 offers 835 km range, eclipsing the Model Y RWD’s 593 km.
Smarter Cabin, Flashier Tech
Tesla’s minimalist design language has started to feel dated, especially in the hyper-competitive Chinese market. That’s where Xiaomi is turning heads. The YU7 interior is filled with cutting-edge tech: a panoramic HUD, expansive dash displays, and integration with HyperOS, Xiaomi’s own operating system.
Visually, the YU7 exudes modern luxury, something that Chinese consumers seem to favor over Tesla’s more utilitarian aesthetics. The interiors look and feel more premium, while the Nvidia Thor chip (700 TOPS) powers its autonomous driving tech — a direct shot at Tesla’s FSD, now running on its AI4 computer.
As noted in the original announcement, “The only thing that is missing about the YU7 as of the time of writing is the price, but it is expected to be very similar to Model Y and even likely to undercut by a bit.”
And when it comes to performance and consumer appeal, this new contender might already be ahead. “These specs show that the vehicles are extremely similar. The main difference is that Xiaomi packs a lot more batteries into the YU7 than Tesla puts into the Model Y, resulting in a significant difference in range.”
Will Tesla Hold the Line in China?
Tesla may still have the edge in efficiency — doing more with fewer batteries — but that’s not always what the market wants. Most buyers care about total range, price, features, and style. And Xiaomi is checking every one of those boxes with the YU7.
Design perception is another soft spot. As the release puts it, “Based on the online reception, the Model Y is viewed as having a more tired design that is not as luxurious as the YU7.”
Tesla has long been the EV brand to beat. But in Xiaomi, it may have finally found a rival that’s not just gunning for it — it’s poised to outperform. Whether this is the beginning of the end for Tesla’s dominance in China remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Xiaomi isn’t just playing in the EV space. It’s here to win.
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