Xiaomi prepares seven-seater SUV to face rivals from China

After the successful debut in the sedan and SUV sector, Xiaomi accelerates its expansion in the automotive market with the development of its first large vehicle. Images of road tests released by the Chinese portal Yiche reveal the new SUV, still under strong camouflage, circulating on highways in China. The catch confirms robust proportions and the integration of a LiDAR sensor positioned on the ceiling.

Known internally by the codename “Kunlun”, the model should be made official in the second half of the year and may hit stores with the YU9 nomenclature. The vehicle is the technology giant’s bet for the family audience with high purchasing power. With a length of more than 5.2 meters and straight design lines, the SUV will offer interior configurations for six or seven occupants, prioritizing space and comfort on board.

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Unlike the SU7 sedan, the new utility vehicle will adopt a REEV (electric vehicle with range extender) mechanical assembly. The system uses an internal combustion engine only as an auxiliary generator to charge the batteries, eliminating the exclusive dependence on charging stations on long trips. The model is expected to use batteries with a capacity of more than 70 kWh, allowing a purely electric range of between 400 km and 500 km — which can go beyond 1,000 km with the help of gasoline.

In the technological field, the focus is on the driving assistance system (ADAS). The front LiDAR suggests that the “Kunlun” will leave the factory with hardware prepared for high levels of automation. With this strategy, Xiaomi seeks to directly rival consolidated models in China, such as the Li L9 and the Aito M9, both known for their strong technological appeal and connectivity.

In addition to the family SUV, the manufacturer is preparing the launch of the YU7 GT, a high-performance electric utility vehicle. The model should deliver a combined power of 990 hp, with estimated prices between 450 thousand and 500 thousand yuan (about R$ 328 thousand to R$ 360 thousand in direct conversion).