Xiaomi YU7: A Chinese Electric Vehicle with Long Wait Times, Advanced Tech, and Competitive Pricing

Xiaomi's electric SUV, YU7, has secured 240,000 orders within 18 hours of its unveiling in June. The vehicle offers a longer driving range than Tesla's Model Y, more advanced tech, and is cheaper. However, due to high demand, wait times for the YU7 have extended to over a year, prompting the CEO to advise buyers to consider rivals if they need a car quickly. The YU7 starts at $35,300 and offers a driving range of 519 miles.

Xiaomi's latest electric SUV, the YU7, has generated significant interest, securing 240,000 orders within 18 hours of its unveiling in June [1]. The vehicle offers a longer driving range than Tesla's Model Y, more advanced technology, and is priced at 253,500 yuan ($35,300), making it an attractive option for consumers. However, the high demand has led to substantial wait times, with some customers facing delays of over a year [1].

Founder Lei Jun has advised potential buyers to consider rival electric vehicles (EVs) due to the manufacturing crunch. The wait time for the base model of the YU7 is currently estimated at 56 to 59 weeks, according to Xiaomi's app [1]. Lei Jun has recommended considering Xpeng’s G7 SUV, Li Auto’s i8 electric minivan, or even Tesla’s Model Y [1].

Xiaomi's manufacturing challenges are not new. The company has struggled to scale production quickly, taking two months to reach 10,000 monthly deliveries and five months to hit 20,000 for its SU7 sedan [1]. Deliveries of the YU7 have averaged just 1,590 a week in the four weeks ended Aug. 4 [1].

Despite the delays, some customers remain committed to the YU7. Zhou, a Beijing resident, ordered the SUV a day after its launch and is prepared to wait for his vehicle, despite the extended wait time. He originally estimated a wait time of 26 to 29 weeks, which has since increased to 24 to 27 weeks [1].

Xiaomi's entry into the EV market has been successful, as evidenced by the overwhelming demand for the YU7. However, the company must address the manufacturing challenges to meet customer expectations and maintain its competitive edge.

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-08-11/xiaomi-s-long-wait-times-leads-ceo-to-recommend-rivals-evs