Xiaomi YU7: 3944km in 24 Hours – EV Record Breaker

Xiaomi YU7: The Electric SUV That Runs a Marathon at 100-Meter Sprint Speed

Okay, so Xiaomi’s done it again. They’ve blown us away, not just with another cool gadget, but with an electric SUV that’s rewriting the rulebook. The Xiaomi YU7 isn’t just about sleek design and fancy tech; it’s about shattering records and setting a new standard in the EV game. We’re talking a mind-blowing 3,944 kilometers in 24 hours – that’s like running a marathon at the speed of a 100-meter sprint! This article dives deep into the YU7, its incredible feat, and what it means for the future of electric SUVs.

The Context: An Unprecedented Endurance Challenge

June 26th, 2025 – a date that’ll be etched in automotive history. Xiaomi announced the results of a grueling endurance test that left the industry speechless. At Yancheng’s high-speed test circuit, the Xiaomi YU7 Max, the top-of-the-line model, completed a staggering 3,944 kilometers in just 24 hours. This obliterated the previous record held by the Mercedes-Benz CLA (3,717 km), set just late in 2024. This wasn’t just about raw power and speed; it tested the car’s ability to maintain consistent performance over an extended period, including charging stops.

The achievement is even more impressive considering the YU7 maintained an average speed of 164 km/h (including charging time!), and a blistering 208 km/h during pure driving phases. To achieve this distance, the YU7 needed 30 ultra-fast charging sessions, each lasting only 10-12 minutes. This showcases exceptional battery thermal management and cutting-edge charging technology. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun used the opportunity to challenge other manufacturers, cementing Xiaomi’s position as a disruptive force in the automotive market.

What is the Xiaomi YU7?

The YU7 is Xiaomi’s second electric vehicle, following the successful SU7 sedan launched in March 2024. This mid-to-large luxury SUV boasts a sporty design, spacious interior, and next-generation tech. With dimensions of 4,999 mm long, 1,996 mm wide, and 1,600 mm high, and a wheelbase of 3,000 mm, the YU7 directly competes with the Tesla Model Y, BMW X5, and Audi Q7. However, it aims to offer a sportier edge and a more accessible price, starting around 253,500 yuan (approximately 30,217 euros or 34,500 USD).

The YU7 comes in three versions: Standard, Pro, and Max, each catering to different needs. The Standard version offers a range of up to 835 km based on the CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle), while the all-wheel-drive Pro and Max versions boast ranges of 770 km and 760 km, respectively. The Max version, used in the endurance test, packs a dual-motor system delivering a maximum power output of 690 horsepower (508 kW) and 528 Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.23 seconds and a top speed of 253 km/h.

Technology and Design: Innovation at the Driver’s Service

The YU7 isn’t just about performance; it’s a technological marvel. Its 800V silicon carbide electric platform enables ultra-fast charging, capable of going from 10% to 80% in just 12 minutes – regaining up to 620 km of range in just 15 minutes! This was crucial for the 24-hour test, minimizing downtime. The impressive battery thermal management ensures optimal performance even under extreme conditions—a challenge even Tesla struggles with during intensive use.

Externally, the YU7 blends elegance and sportiness, echoing luxury models like the Ferrari Purosangue. Teardrop-shaped headlights, a one-piece aluminum hood, and an active rear spoiler contribute to optimized aerodynamics. The body, combining 2,200 MPa high-strength steel and aluminum, offers a torsional rigidity of 47,610 N·m/degree, ensuring safety and stability. Inside, the YU7 redefines luxury with OEKO-TEX Class 1 certified materials, Nappa leather seats reclining up to 135 degrees, and a panoramic HyperVision display spanning the entire dashboard. It also features a head-up display and compatibility with CarPlay and Xiaomi’s ecosystem devices.

The Meaning of the Record: Beyond the Numbers

The 3,944-km record isn’t just a technical achievement; it’s a statement. Xiaomi has proven that EVs are not only viable for long journeys but can exceed expectations in speed, efficiency, and durability. Compared to Mercedes-Benz’s previous record (3,717 km), the YU7 traveled an additional 227 km, thanks to its ultra-fast charging capability and optimized charging strategy, requiring 10 fewer stops than the CLA. This highlights the importance of charging infrastructure and the engineering behind the YU7’s battery, which includes bulletproof casing for enhanced safety.

This success also has cultural and commercial implications. In China’s fiercely competitive EV market, the YU7 generated unprecedented excitement, with 289,000 orders placed within the first hour after its launch. This success challenges established brands like Tesla, which saw a 24% drop in Model Y sales in China between January and May 2025, positioning Xiaomi as an emerging leader.

Implications for the Future

The YU7’s success isn’t limited to the Chinese market. Xiaomi plans to expand internationally by 2027, potentially bringing this SUV to Europe and beyond. However, this depends on factors like homologation, charging infrastructure in other countries, and the perception of Chinese brands in Western markets. With a starting price of around 30,217 euros, the YU7 offers a compelling value proposition, combining performance, luxury, and technology at a significantly lower cost than its European and American competitors.

Morgan Stanley analysts have described the YU7 as “atemberaubend” (breathtaking), highlighting its potential to challenge Tesla in China and beyond. Its design, inspired by brands like Ferrari and McLaren, along with its competitive price, could attract consumers seeking a premium EV without the exorbitant cost of established brands.

Conclusion: A Milestone That Redefines the Game

The Xiaomi YU7 has burst onto the automotive scene with unexpected force. Its 3,944-kilometer, 24-hour record isn’t just a testament to its advanced engineering; it proves that electric vehicles can combine power, speed, and endurance in ways that challenge traditional perceptions.

With a design rivaling the most prestigious luxury SUVs, technology integrating the best of the Xiaomi ecosystem, and a price point that democratizes access to the premium segment, the YU7 is poised to make an indelible mark on the industry.

For automotive enthusiasts and consumers seeking an innovative alternative, the YU7 represents a vision of the future of electric mobility: a future where technology not only meets but exceeds expectations. As Xiaomi continues its expansion in the automotive sector, the world will be watching its next move. Can other manufacturers accept Lei Jun’s challenge and surpass the YU7? Only time will tell, but for now, Xiaomi has proven it can run a marathon at 100-meter sprint speed—and done so with style.