Xiaomi has achieved what founder and CEO Lei Jun describes as “a miracle in China’s automotive industry” with the YU7 electric SUV receiving 196K confirmed orders within the first two minutes of sales. Remarkable demand continued to surge, with the vehicle surpassing 200k orders within three minutes of launch—a pace that Lei Jun compared to “rocket launch speed.”
Speaking during a media interview following tonight’s product launch event, Lei Jun expressed gratitude to customers while acknowledging the intense pressure his team faced during development. “We felt a great deal of pressure developing the YU7 because public expectations were so high—much more so than last year,” he noted, highlighting the increased scrutiny facing Xiaomi’s automotive division.
The Xiaomi YU7 development process involved extensive analysis of market-leading competitors, particularly Tesla’s Model Y. Lei Jun revealed that his team conducted thorough teardown studies of the Model Y, which fundamentally changed his perspective on Tesla’s approach to electric vehicle manufacturing.
“Over the past four years, in conversations with peers in the industry, many regarded the Model Y as something of a bare-bones product,” Lei Jun explained. “But after thoroughly tearing it down and studying it, I came to believe it’s an exceptionally well-executed car.”
The Xiaomi CEO acknowledged that Tesla’s success extends beyond brand recognition, stating: “It didn’t become the world’s best-selling EV merely due to Elon Musk’s brand influence—there’s a great deal worth learning from. In fact, it remains ahead of the curve in many aspects.”
Lei Jun emphasized Xiaomi’s commitment to developing core automotive technologies internally rather than relying on third-party suppliers. Approach extends from initial design through manufacturing, with the company establishing its own production facilities for critical components.
“From day one, Xiaomi committed to building cars from the ground up with in-house core technologies, and we’ve continued to invest heavily in innovation,” Lei Jun stated. Xiaomi’s focus on proprietary development is evident in components like the V8S super motor, which Xiaomi designed and manufactures using its own production lines.
The decision to maintain internal control over key technologies stems from anticipating public scrutiny of automotive performance claims. Lei Jun noted: “Anticipating public scrutiny, we even set up our own production line, rather than relying on third-party manufacturers.”
Xiaomi’s commitment to technological excellence is demonstrated through rigorous testing protocols, including performance validation at the Nürburgring circuit. Lei Jun directly connected the YU7’s track performance to breakthrough innovations in electric motors, batteries, and chassis systems developed by Xiaomi’s engineering teams.
This performance-focused approach reflects Xiaomi’s understanding that success in the electric vehicle market requires more than marketing—it demands genuine technological advancement and proven capabilities under demanding conditions.
Despite the YU7’s impressive launch performance, Lei Jun maintained a humble perspective regarding market competition. “The market is fiercely competitive now, and I have to say, the Model Y is still a very impressive vehicle,” he acknowledged during the interview.
This recognition of competitive realities, combined with Xiaomi’s rapid order intake, suggests the company has successfully positioned the YU7 to compete effectively in China’s crowded electric SUV segment. Overwhelming initial demand indicates that Xiaomi has struck the right balance between innovation, pricing, and consumer expectations.
Lei Jun concluded with a commitment to continued learning and improvement: “I also believe Xiaomi has done a commendable job, and we’ll continue to approach this with humility and a learning mindset.”
The Xiaomi YU7’s launch success demonstrates that established technology companies can successfully enter the automotive market when they combine proven business strategies with serious technological investment. As the company processes this unprecedented demand, the real test will be translating initial enthusiasm into sustained market performance. For now, Xiaomi appears to have sparked something truly electric in China’s competitive EV landscape.
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