SkyNomad launch smashes expectations
Xiaomi’s newly unveiled SkyNomad SUVs — the full-size N90 and the large N70 — appear to have struck a nerve with Chinese buyers. According to reporting by Cailian, analysts estimate the two SkyNomad EREVs pulled in more than 100,000 pre-orders in under a week, despite early criticism over the brand’s use of an internal combustion engine in an era when pure EVs dominate headlines.
How the figure was reached
Xiaomi didn’t publish an official pre-order total. Cailian instead surveyed Xiaomi EV retail locations across Beijing, Wuhan, Shanghai, Chengdu and other major cities and found each store reporting roughly 200–300 reservations. With 499 Xiaomi sales outlets nationwide, that sampling was extrapolated into a six-figure total. In Beijing alone, one store reportedly logged about 4,800 orders in a single day, and the Beijing–Tianjin region has accumulated more than 30,000 pre-orders.

Why EREVs still matter to buyers
Extended-range EVs (EREVs) are a hybrid breed: a larger battery than older plug-in hybrids and an internal-combustion engine typically tuned to recharge the battery rather than directly drive the wheels. For many Chinese shoppers — especially buyers of full-size, luxury SUVs — EREVs offer a compromise: the convenience and daily all-electric range of a battery car, plus a fuel-powered backup for long trips or regions with less-developed charging networks.
Even though modern BEVs commonly deliver 300+ miles and fast-charging times under 30 minutes, range anxiety and charging convenience keep EREVs relevant in markets where infrastructure or ownership habits vary.

What buyers are showing a preference for
Cailian’s data indicates the SkyNomad N90 full-size SUV is significantly more popular than the smaller N70, suggesting buyers prioritize space, comfort and perceived status — important attributes in the premium SUV segment.
Highlights:
- Rapid pre-sales momentum across major Chinese cities
- N90 outselling N70 in initial interest
- Xiami aims to start deliveries in September with immediate availability
Production and delivery outlook
Xiaomi is ramping up production: the second phase of its Beijing factory is reportedly operational, and the company expects to have stock ready for customers when official deliveries begin in September. Store staff interviewed by media assured that SkyNomad buyers will not face the long waits that plagued some earlier Xiaomi models such as the YU7.

A salesperson told reporters that the company expects a smooth handover process and minimal lead times once sales open.
Market context and Xiaomi’s targets
SkyNomad’s early success matters for Xiaomi’s broader EV ambitions. Earlier models (like the SU7 and YU7) enjoyed initial popularity but have since stabilized at roughly 30,000 monthly sales; Xiaomi recorded about 220,000 vehicle deliveries in the first seven months of the year. The automaker has guided toward 550,000 deliveries in 2026, a target that will require a substantial step-up in monthly output and consistent strong demand.
At the same time, regulatory changes in China — reductions in subsidies for plug-in hybrids and weight limits on eligible models — have complicated the outlook for EREVs. These policy shifts explain part of the criticism aimed at SkyNomad’s EREV strategy, but strong consumer demand suggests there remains a market niche for extended-range SUVs, at least in the near term.

Positioning and competition
SkyNomad is being pitched as a premium, practical alternative to pure battery SUVs: roomy interiors, advanced infotainment drawn from Xiaomi’s consumer tech DNA, and an EREV powertrain designed for everyday electric driving with petrol backup. If Xiaomi can deliver on production promises and avoid the long waiting lists that dented some of its earlier launches, SkyNomad could help the brand expand beyond phone-based prestige into a sustainable presence in China’s crowded EV SUV market.

What to watch next
- Official confirmation of total pre-orders from Xiaomi
- Actual delivery figures in September and early sales cadence
- Customer feedback on real-world fuel and electric-range performance
For global observers, SkyNomad’s early demand highlights how product positioning, dealer reach and production readiness can still move the market — even as the world shifts toward fully electric drivetrains.





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Comments (2)
wow Xiaomi actually nailed the sizing game, N90 selling like hotcakes. curious about real-world range and fuel use, fingers crossed!
wait, is this even true? 100k preorders extrapolated from a few stores sounds wild... Beijing numbers sus, hope deliveries r legit, not waitlists