What did Lei Jun share about the Xiaomi YU9?

Lei Jun posted photos from high-altitude testing in the Tianshan mountains that show a camouflaged, full-size SUV believed to be the Xiaomi YU9 undergoing demanding road trials.

What powertrain options are expected for the YU9?

Sources indicate Xiaomi is developing both an all-electric (EV) variant and an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). The EREV is rumored to include an 80 kWh battery with about 400 km of electric-only range.

How large is the Xiaomi YU9 expected to be?

Photos and early rumors suggest the YU9 will be a large SUV, potentially more than 5.2 meters long and around 1.8 meters tall, targeting the full-size SUV segment.

When might the YU9 go on sale?

While Xiaomi has not confirmed an official launch date, testing activity since summer makes an early 2026 release plausible, pending final validation and announcements.

Xiaomi YU9 SUV Spotted in High-Altitude Testing Run

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Lei Jun Shares New Photos from the Tianshan Tests

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun recently posted a series of images from what appears to be the Tianshan mountain range, and several shots show a heavily camouflaged, full-size SUV believed to be the Xiaomi YU9. The vehicle has been on engineers' radars since rumors first surfaced last year, and these new pictures give another look at the prototype undergoing demanding real-world validation.

Why the mountains?

Automakers routinely send prototypes to extreme environments to stress systems such as cooling, suspension and high-altitude engine or battery performance. In this instance, Xiaomi’s EV team pushed the YU9 onto steep, technical roads around 4,000 meters above sea level — a useful proving ground for both EV and range-extender (EREV) configurations.

The camouflaged photos don’t reveal fine details, but the silhouette and proportions suggest a large SUV. Early reports indicated the YU9 could exceed 5.2 meters in length and stand roughly 1.8 meters tall, positioning it against other full-size electric SUVs in the Chinese and global markets.

Expected powertrains and range

Industry sources suggest Xiaomi is developing two main versions:

Pure EV variant with a focus on battery-electric range and charging performance.
EREV (extended-range electric vehicle) variant, reportedly featuring an 80 kWh battery and an electric-only range around 400 km.

If these figures hold, the EREV could appeal to buyers seeking long-distance flexibility without full reliance on public fast chargers.

Market timing and positioning

The YU9 has been spotted in testing since at least mid-summer, so an early 2026 launch window seems plausible, though Xiaomi hasn’t confirmed dates or specifications. If launched as rumored, the YU9 would mark Xiaomi’s push deeper into the large electric SUV segment, leveraging competitive battery tech and software know-how to stand out.

Highlights:

Prototype photographed in Tianshan at ~4,000 m
Large full-size SUV proportions (rumored >5.2 m)
Two powertrain options: EV and EREV with ~80 kWh battery

For car enthusiasts tracking new EV entries, the YU9 is one to watch — particularly for how Xiaomi balances scale, range and pricing in a crowded SUV market.

Source: arenaev

Xiaomi YU9 SUV Spotted in High-Altitude Testing Run

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun shared photos of the camouflaged YU9 SUV undergoing high-altitude tests in the Tianshan mountains. Rumors point to EV and EREV versions, an ~80 kWh battery, and a possible early 2026 debut.