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Xiaomi YU7 GT: the Chinese “Ferrari SUV” that has more power than the original
This is one of those stories that makes you blink twice. An electric SUV from China, built by a tech giant you mainly know for smartphones, delivers more power than a Ferrari SUV.
And yet this is not a render, not a rumour, and not wishful thinking. Meet the Xiaomi YU7 GT. According to official filings with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), Xiaomi is about to launch its sportiest SUV ever. And those figures? They are downright brutal.
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Almost 1,000 hp, fully electric
The YU7 GT gets a dual-motor four-wheel-drive system with a combined 738 kW, good for 990 hp. With that, it does not only leave its “source of inspiration” behind, but also makes a string of established names sweat. For comparison: the Ferrari Purosangue has to make do with 725 hp. Yes, that is a naturally aspirated V12, but still: figures do not lie.
The power distribution is typically Chinese in its ambition: a strong electric motor on the front axle and a downright absurd motor on the rear axle. The result: an electric SUV that can officially reach 300 km/h (although it is likely this is electronically limited). Those are figures that, until recently, were exclusive to hypercars, not to five-metre-long family SUVs.
Subtly aggressive, not a shouty tuning job
What stands out is that Xiaomi does not opt for exaggerated design drama. No extreme spoilers or Fast & Furious aesthetics. The YU7 GT remains relatively clean, but anyone looking closely immediately sees this is not a standard version. Larger air intakes, a substantial diffuser, flared wheel arches, red brake callipers and discreet GT badges give away its intentions.
With a length just over five metres and a wheelbase of three metres, the YU7 GT clearly positions itself in the Porsche Cayenne segment. And that is no coincidence. Here, Xiaomi is aiming squarely at models like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric, but with a completely different price-to-performance ratio.
Smartphone-level technology, but on wheels
The battery comes from CATL, a name that has by now become synonymous with high-end EV technology. Xiaomi is keeping range details under wraps for now, but given the weight and performance, it is clear this will not be an efficiency champion. This is a performance EV, not an eco statement.
What is interesting: the YU7 GT uses different tyre sizes front and rear, which points to a clear focus on dynamics. There are even rumours of ceramic-carbon brakes, which further underlines its positioning towards a genuine performance SUV.
AutoNext Take: this is no longer a joke
Xiaomi already proved with the SU7 that it can do more than “a first attempt”. With the YU7 GT, they are taking the next step: Chinese EVs that are not only cheaper, but also dare to challenge the established order technologically and in performance terms.
Ferrari, Porsche and co still have brand value, emotion and heritage. But on paper? It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore figures like these. And with a European entry from Xiaomi planned around 2027, this is no longer a distant prospect.
