Xiaomi’s Next Car Might be a 7-Seat Hybrid SUV Called YU9 With 1,500km Range

Fresh off the launch of its YU7, Xiaomi is reportedly already testing its third model, which could be an even larger full-sized three-row SUV. Test units have been spotted in China since earlier this year, and now new spy shots show a clearer view, even though the vehicle is still heavily disguised. The purported YU9 SUV is bulky and boxy, relative to the sleek, sporty SU7 and YU7. 

Codenamed “Kunlun”, it could ship in 7-seat and/or 6-seat configurations. This would capitalise on demand for large family SUVs and luxury vehicles in China. Like Xiaomi’s existing models, the YU9 would not be sold in markets outside China till at least 2027.

From what is known so far thanks to leaks and spy shots, the biggest surprise about the Xiaomi YU9 is that it would be a hybrid, not a pure EV. It is expected to feature an extended-range (ER EV) powertrain, with a 1.5 litre combustion engine. The combined range, between battery and range extender, could total 1,500km. Xiaomi is still expected to equip this vehicle with a large battery, and it would likely be built around an 800V fast charging platform.

While this doesn’t seem to match Xiaomi’s initial pitch as an all-electric carmaker, it could help the company gain a foothold in an important market segment. Over 300,000 YU7 units were pre-ordered and locked in within 72 hours of its launch, and the wait time for some configurations is now reportedly over a year. Xiaomi recently raised its annual production target to 350,000 vehicles and is working to bring the second and third phases of its manufacturing facility near Beijing online.

The purported Xiaomi YU9 would be a luxury SUV with many features and comfort touches carried over from the YU7 and SU7, including a large central touchscreen with Xiaomi’s HyperOS software. Pricing is not yet known, though the company could be hoping to take on luxury models from Chinese as well as foreign companies. The new SUV is unlikely to be launched before Xiaomi can fill a significant portion of the backlog it has already registered for its current two models.