Xiaomi (HKG: 1810, OTCMKTS: XIACY) plans to launch three new electric vehicle (EV) models next targeting family, performance, and luxury segments, according to a new media report.
The new models will include the YU9 large SUV, YU7 GT sport SUV, and SU7 L sedan, per a Sina Tech report yesterday.
The YU9, internally codenamed "Kunlun," aims to compete in the family vehicle market against models like Li Auto's (NASDAQ: LI, HKG: 2015) Li L9 and Huawei-backed Aito M9, the report said.
The large SUV is expected to exceed 5.2 meters in length and offer six- or seven-seat configurations.
The YU9 will utilize an extended-range powertrain to address range anxiety during long-distance travel, the report said.
Not long ago, Xiaomi founder, chairman, and CEO Lei Jun led his team in testing the vehicle on the Pamir Plateau in Xinjiang, highlighting the company's emphasis on this model, the report noted.
The YU9 is nearing its official launch, aiming to help Xiaomi transition from a "toy for young people" to a primary family vehicle, the report noted.
The YU7 GT has been spotted multiple times at Germany's Nürburgring circuit. This high-performance SUV, based on the YU7, targets extreme performance, Sina Tech said.
The YU7 GT is likely to become Xiaomi's first model launched in the European market, competing against vehicles including the Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) Model Y Performance, according to the report.
The significance of the YU7 GT extends beyond sales volume; it aims to earn Xiaomi EVs the "performance" and "technology" labels, the report indicated.
Spy shots of the SU7 L undergoing road tests have begun circulating, revealing an extended section behind the B-pillar, Sina Tech said, adding that the vehicle may exceed 5.2 meters in length with a wheelbase surpassing 3.1 meters.
The standard SU7 measures 4,997 mm in length with a 3,000 mm wheelbase.
The SU7 L targets the executive luxury sedan segment, positioning itself to the SU7 much like the Porsche Panamera and its extended-wheelbase variant, with a focus on elevating rear-seat prestige and overall luxury ambiance, the report said.
Xiaomi's current lineup includes the SU7 series -- comprising the standard SU7 and the higher-performance SU7 Ultra -- along with the YU7 SUV, all of which are pure electric vehicles.
Rumors about the YU9 have circulated over the past year, suggesting it will be Xiaomi EV's first extended-range electric vehicle (EREV).
Xiaomi EV delivered 46,249 vehicles in November, marking a 99.73 percent year-on-year increase but a 4.94 percent month-on-month decline -- the first such drop since July, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.
Company management mentioned earlier this year that Xiaomi EV plans to enter the European market by 2027.
