Xiaomi YU7 vs Tesla Model Y: The Real EV Battle Begins

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Xiaomi YU7 vs Tesla Model Y: Is the So-Called ‘Tesla Killer’ Finally Real?

tesla model Y in comparison to the xiaomi YU7
tesla model Y in comparison to the xiaomi YU7

For years, EV enthusiasts have thrown around the term “Tesla killer” — and for years, most of those cars haven’t come close to living up to the hype. But with the Xiaomi YU7 finally official, and specs on the table, the conversation might just be shifting.

With the YU7, Xiaomi isn’t just dipping its toes into the EV pool anymore — it’s cannonballing straight into Tesla’s turf. And if the first numbers and design impressions are anything to go by, Tesla should be paying very close attention.

Head-to-Head: Xiaomi YU7 vs Tesla Model Y

comparing the specs of the model Y and the xiaomi YU7
SpecsTesla Model Y RWDTesla Model Y Long Range AWDXiaomi YU7 Standard (RWD)YU7 Pro (AWD)YU7 Max (AWD)
LaunchJan 2025Jan 2025July 2025 (expected)July 2025 (expected)July 2025 (expected)
Price (est.)¥263,500 (~$36,600)¥303,500 (~$42,200)¥250,000 (~$34,700)Not yet revealedNot yet revealed
Dimensions (LxWxH)4,797×1,920×1,624 mmSame4,999×1,996×1,600 mmSameSame
Wheelbase2,890 mm2,890 mm3,000 mmSameSame
Power Output~200–250 kW~350–400 kW235 kW (315 hp)508 kW (681 hp)Same
0–100 km/h5.9s4.3s5.8s4.3s3.2s
Range (CLTC)593 km719 km835 km750 km760 km
Battery~62.5 kWh LFP~80 kWh NMC96.3 kWh LFP96.3 kWh LFP101.7 kWh Li-ion
Voltage Architecture400V400V800V SiCSameSame
Autonomy TechFSD (AI4)FSD (AI4)Nvidia Thor chip (700 TOPS)SameSame

Range & Battery: Xiaomi Goes Big

xiaomi YU7 in its emerald green color
xiaomi YU7 in its emerald green color

Let’s talk numbers. Xiaomi didn’t hold back on battery size — even the base YU7 Standard packs a 96.3 kWh battery and delivers a class-leading 835 km (CLTC) range. That’s over 100 km more than Tesla’s top Model Y variant. The YU7 Max takes it even further, with 770 km range and a larger 101.7 kWh pack.

Tesla still wins on efficiency per kWh, but in a market where consumers crave range confidence, Xiaomi’s approach will resonate more.

Performance: Xiaomi Holds Its Own

Xiaomi YU7 electric SUV in Emerald Green under studio lights with futuristic design and performance highlights.
The Xiaomi YU7 in Emerald Green — a luxury electric SUV with a bold silhouette, hyper-tech interior, and up to 835km range.

The YU7 Max is a beast — 681 hp, AWD, and a 0–100 km/h time of just 3.2 seconds. That’s serious sports SUV territory, outgunning the Model Y Long Range and almost challenging Model Y Performance, which isn’t currently available in China.

Design: A Huge Perception Gap

face off between the Tesla Modek Y and teh Xiaomi YU7
face off between the Tesla Modek Y and teh Xiaomi YU7

This is where things start getting really interesting.

Tesla’s Model Y received a minor refresh, but it still looks… familiar. Some might say dated. The YU7, on the other hand, exudes fresh, premium luxury with a bolder, sculpted design, dramatic finishes like Emerald Green and Lava Orange, and flush door handles, active aero elements, and signature waterdrop headlamps.

Inside, it’s even more obvious. The YU7 offers a panoramic mini-LED HUD, rear-seat touchscreens, massaging Nappa leather seats, and a whopping 1.7 sq. m sunroof. Tech-luxury? Absolutely.

Technology: Xiaomi’s Sweet Spot

interior of the xiaomi YU7
interior of the xiaomi YU7

From the Nvidia Thor chip handling ADAS to Xiaomi’s HyperVision Panoramic Display, this SUV is stacked. There’s 5G, UWB, Wi-Fi 6, a 16.1-inch infotainment screen, and even remote control capabilities. Xiaomi has built an EV that looks and feels like a premium gadget — exactly what their fans love.

Our Take: A Tesla Killer? Maybe Not. A Tesla Challenger? Absolutely.

the Tesla Model Y on the charging station
the Tesla Model Y on the charging station

Calling anything a Tesla killer is still dramatic. Tesla’s efficiency, scale, and tech lead still hold strong. But Xiaomi has clearly delivered an electric SUV that checks nearly all the boxes Chinese buyers care about — range, luxury, price, performance, and tech.

rear of the xiaomi YU7
rear of the xiaomi YU7

If priced right, the Xiaomi YU7 could very well eat into the Model Y’s dominance in China, and perhaps set the tone for a new generation of tech-forward EVs.

The EV war in China just got a lot more interesting.

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