Xiaomi’s 2026 Extended Range Electric Vehicle Plans and Li Auto

Xiaomi extended range electric vehicle. # Xiaomi’s 2026 Ambition: Embracing Extended Range Electric Vehicles with Li Auto as a Benchmark

Get ready, car enthusiasts! Xiaomi is gearing up to make even bigger waves in the electric vehicle market. By 2026, they’re eyeing the popular extended range electric vehicle (EREV) segment, and they’re not shy about who they’ll be looking to for inspiration: Li Auto. This move signals a significant strategic shift, aiming to capture a wider audience.

A Pragmatic Approach to Innovation

In the fast-paced Chinese EV scene, acknowledging and learning from competitors is just smart business. Pan Jiutang, a big name at Xiaomi, recently cleared the air regarding any “copycat” rumors. He stated plainly that if Xiaomi dives into the EREV market, they’ll openly draw inspiration from Li Auto. “If Xiaomi launches an extended-range model in the future, it will undoubtedly be inspired by Li Auto, but it will never learn from them while denying it or attacking them indirectly,” Pan affirmed. This isn’t about copying; it’s about smart benchmarking, a practice seen from Apple learning from Xerox to Google analyzing rivals.

Xiaomi Auto’s Impressive Track Record

Xiaomi’s commitment to innovation is evident in their rapid growth.

Let’s not forget that many Chinese brands tried to emulate Tesla’s success in pure EVs, with mixed results. Xiaomi, however, has hit the ground running thanks to its focus on superior execution, seamless tech integration, and competitive pricing. By January 2026, Xiaomi Auto’s delivery numbers are staggering. They surpassed 410,000 vehicles in 2025, a remarkable feat for a company that only started deliveries in 2024. The SU7 electric sedan and the YU7 electric SUV (launched mid-2025) have been absolute showstoppers. The YU7 alone racked up over 150,000 units in just six months and set monthly delivery records, including an impressive 33,729 units in November. This success has even forced competitors to rethink their strategies, tweak designs, or rename models – which Pan calls “normal business behavior.”

The Ambitious Roadmap for 2026

For 2026, Xiaomi isn’t slowing down. They’re targeting over 550,000 deliveries, a solid 34% jump. The plan involves rolling out four new models, significantly expanding their lineup.

Updates to the SU7 and a Premium Offering

• SU7 Facelift: Set for the first half of 2026 (likely Q2), this updated SU7 will boast enhanced safety, increased range (up to 900 km on top trims), standard LiDAR, an 800V architecture across the board, and refined interior and exterior styling. Pre-orders are already open, with starting prices around 229,900 yuan (approx. $32,800), though expect a slight bump due to the upgrades.
• SU7 Executive (SU7 L): This is a stretched wheelbase version of the SU7, targeting the premium and business segments. Think extra rear legroom and enhanced passenger comfort.

Entering the EREV Market with Two New SUVs

Xiaomi is strategically entering the EREV segment to address a clear market demand in China. Families love the idea of eliminating “range anxiety” on longer trips, and EREVs achieve this with an efficient internal combustion engine acting as a generator. Li Auto has really nailed this formula with their excellent thermal management, advanced software, and family-centric user experience. Pan openly admits that Xiaomi will learn from these strengths in practicality, dual-battery systems, and comfort. However, they’ll do it with their signature transparency, integrating their connected HyperOS ecosystem, top-tier intelligent driving, the 800V architecture, and, of course, disruptive pricing.

• “Kunlun” (YU9) EREV SUV: This large, seven-seater EREV is slated for the first half of 2026. Measuring over 5.2 meters long with a 70+ kWh battery, it promises an electric-only range of 400-500 km and a combined range exceeding 1,000 km. This model directly targets the family vehicle market dominated by Li Auto’s L9.
• Compact 5-Seater EREV SUV: A smaller, five-seater EREV SUV is planned for the second half of 2026.

Consolidating Market Leadership

The phenomenal success of the SU7 (which has led the premium sedan segment above 200,000 yuan) and the record-breaking YU7 has proven Xiaomi’s capability for rapid and superior execution. By now targeting the larger family vehicle segment, which prioritizes versatility and stress-free travel, Xiaomi aims to solidify its position as a dominant force across multiple electric vehicle categories.

In an industry where flawless execution trumps absolute originality, Pan Jiutang’s candidness positions Xiaomi as a mature and confident player. If the “Kunlun” EREV and its more compact sibling live up to expectations – and given Xiaomi’s track record, it’s highly probable – 2026 could very well be the year Xiaomi transitions from a successful disruptor to a true market leader.

Are you excited about Xiaomi’s first foray into extended-range electric vehicles? The “wait and see” might be over sooner than we think.