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Xiaomi's YU7 GT Emerges as a Serious Contender
Xiaomi has quietly escalated its assault on the premium EV market. The flagship YU7 GT has surfaced in official filings with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the figures suggest a performance SUV that could rattle the established luxury players. With a claimed output of around 1,000 horsepower from a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, the YU7 GT promises supercar levels of thrust in an SUV package.
Key performance figures and powertrain
According to the registration documents, the YU7 GT is electronically limited to a top speed of 300 km/h. Power comes from two electric motors fed by CATL lithium battery packs, though Xiaomi has not yet published official range or battery-capacity numbers. Still, the platform pedigree is notable: Xiaomi's SU7 Ultra sedan sibling has been reported with astonishing figures as high as 1,526 hp, so the company clearly aims for headline-grabbing performance across its lineup.
- Drivetrain: Dual-motor, four-wheel drive
- Power: ~1,000 horsepower combined (manufacturer-claimed)
- Top speed: Limited to 300 km/h
- Battery supplier: CATL (lithium cells)
- Wheels & brakes: 21-inch rims with red brake calipers
"This is not a subtle upgrade—it's a statement," industry analysts say, noting Xiaomi's strategy of offering extreme performance at aggressive price points.
Design: Ferrari-inspired cues, but SUV-focused
Visually the YU7 GT leans into a dramatic, sporty aesthetic: beefier bumpers, larger air intakes, a pronounced rear diffuser and 21-inch wheels. Red "GT" badges on the pillars and doors, plus bright red brake calipers visible behind the rims, distinguish this model from the milder YU7 variants. Observers have pointed out styling echoes of high-end Italian SUVs, making the YU7 GT look like a cross between a performance machine and a flamboyant GT car.
How it compares to rivals
Xiaomi’s target is clear. The Ferrari Purosangue (a V12 gasoline model) is quoted at about 725 hp in comparable guise, while some high-end electric rivals like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E (in its most extreme setups) promise higher outputs — around 1,155 hp — but at much higher price tags. Estimated pricing for the YU7 GT sits between 450,000–500,000 CNY (roughly $60,000–$70,000), a fraction of what comparable European luxury performance SUVs command in global markets.
That price delta is meaningful: while Porsche and other legacy brands invest heavily in brand prestige and dealership networks, Chinese EV makers like Xiaomi are competing hard on performance, technology and value. The regular YU7 family already spans a wide power range, from single-motor rear-wheel-drive variants around 315 hp up to dual-motor versions producing about 681 hp — numbers that helped it outsell rivals in China, including the Tesla Model Y in certain months.
Market positioning and what to watch
The YU7 GT will be a litmus test for Xiaomi’s credibility as an automotive brand. If Xiaomi can deliver usable range, strong thermal management, and refined driving dynamics at the projected price, traditional premium brands will face a real challenge in China and beyond.
Highlights:
- Bold styling with sport-focused aero and details
- Dual-motor AWD and CATL battery technology
- Competitive pricing versus established luxury rivals
Expect official range and performance figures, plus pricing confirmations, in the coming weeks. For enthusiasts, the YU7 GT represents an intriguing blend of EV performance, aggressive pricing, and design drama — proof that the EV market’s competitive landscape is accelerating fast.
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