Here we compare the specs of the new Tesla Model Y (Chinese version) to the newly unveiled Xiaomi YU7, a vehicle dubbed the ‘Tesla killer’.
For years, we laughed at people using the term ‘Tesla killer’ for new electric vehicles. To this day, even as Tesla’s sales are declining, it’s a bit dumb to use the term since no single EV is going to “kill” Tesla.
However, there’s one that is as close to do it as we have seen so far.
Earlier this year, we reported on how Xiaomi’s first electric vehicle, the SU7, had a major negative impact on Tesla’s Model 3 sales in China.
At the time, we reported that the bigger concern for Tesla was that the Chinese electronics giant was now planning to launch a new EV, the YU7, aimed at competing against Tesla’s popular Model Y.
The Xiaomi YU7 was unveiled today, and we can now provide a side-by-side specs comparison that highlights Tesla’s problem in China.
Tesla Model Y vs Xiaomi YU7
The only thing that is missing about the YU7 as of the time of writing is the price, but it is expected to be very similar to Model Y and even likely to undercut by a bit.
| Specs | Tesla Model Y RWD | Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD | Xiaomi YU7 Standard (RWD) | Xiaomi YU7 Pro (AWD) | Xiaomi YU7 Max (AWD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | January 2025 | January 2025 | July 2025 (expected) | July 2025 (expected) | July 2025 (expected) |
| Price (CNY) | ¥263,500 | ¥303,500 | ~¥250,000 (est.) | Not announced | Not announced |
| Price (USD) | ~$36,600 | ~$42,200 | ~$34,700 (est.) | Not announced | Not announced |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,797 x 1,920 x 1,624 mm | 4,797 x 1,920 x 1,624 mm | 4,999 x 1,996 x 1,600 mm | 4,999 x 1,996 x 1,600 mm | 4,999 x 1,996 x 1,600 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,890 mm | 2,890 mm | 3,000 mm | 3,000 mm | 3,000 mm |
| Weight | 1,921 kg | 1,992 kg | Not specified | 2,405 kg | 2,405 kg |
| Powertrain | Single motor RWD | Dual motor AWD | Single motor RWD | Dual motor AWD | Dual motor AWD |
| Power Output | Not specified (est. 200-250 kW) | Not specified (est. 350-400 kW) | 235 kW (315 hp) | 508 kW (681 hp) | 508 kW (681 hp) |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.9 s | 4.3 s | 5.8 s | 4.3 s | ~3.2 s |
| Top Speed | 201 km/h | 201 km/h | 240 km/h | 253 km/h | 253 km/h |
| Battery Type | LFP | NMC | LFP | LFP | Li-ion ternary (CATL) |
| Battery Capacity | ~62.5 kWh | ~80 kWh | 96.3 kWh | 96.3 kWh | ~101.7 kWh |
| Range (CLTC) | 593 km | 719 km | 835 km | 750 km | 760 km |
| Charging Architecture | 400V | 400V | 800V | 800V | 800V |
| Seating Capacity | 5 (7 optional) | 5 (7 optional) | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Key Features | – Updated design – Rear seat touchscreen – FSD-capable | – Same as RWD – Higher performance | – Panoramic HUD – HyperOS – Larger cabin | – Same as Standard – Higher performance | – Top-tier performance – Premium interior (assumed) |
| Autonomous Driving | FSD with AI4 computer | FSD with AI4 computer | Nvidia Thor chip (700 TOPS) | Nvidia Thor chip (700 TOPS) | Nvidia Thor chip (700 TOPS) |
These specs show that the vehicles are extremely similar. The main difference is that Xiaomi packs a lot more batteries into the YU7 than Tesla puts into the Model Y, resulting in a significant difference in range.
To be fair to Tesla, it still dominates in efficiency as it does more with fewer batteries, which is an important skill to have. However, most customers don’t care about that and want a longer range. They don’t care how you make it happen.
Another big difference is the design.
As we previously reported, the Tesla Model Y design refresh looks similar to other Chinese EVs.
Based on the online reception, the Model Y is viewed as having a more tired design that is not as luxurious as the YU7.
That’s particularly true of the exteriors.
It’s a similar situation in the interior, but Xiaomi also outshines Tesla here with more technology, like display along the dash:
Both vehicles feature a large center display where most of the controls are located.
Electrek’s Take
I think Tesla is in trouble in China. The competition is impressive and there are vehicles that clearly directly target Model Y, Tesla’s bread and butter, and there’s no better example than this one.
The only thing missing is pricing, but if it’s priced as expected, which is like the SU7 to the Model 3, it will make it a no-brainer for most buyers.
Also, Xiaomi often gets mentioned as a ‘Tesla killer’ because the vehicles are not only ultra competitive with Tesla, but it is also producing them in high volumes.
SU7 outsold the Model 3 within a year of launching. The YU7 is coming to market within the next 2 months, and it should reach impressive volumes that are going to put pressure on Tesla’s Model Y sales by the end of the year.
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