Xiaomi YU9 SUV Spy Shots Leak: New EREV Flagship to Challenge Li Auto and Aito

Xiaomi is hitting the accelerator on its automotive expansion. A new full-size SUV—heavily camouflaged but unmistakably bold—has been spotted undergoing road tests in China. All signs suggest this is the tech giant’s third electric vehicle, codenamed "Kunlun", and likely to debut as the Xiaomi YU9.

Unlike the all-electric SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV, the upcoming YU9 is set to be an EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle). That means a hybrid powertrain that combines a battery and electric motors with a small gasoline engine—used solely as a generator to recharge the battery on the move. It's a smart move, mirroring the strategy used by rivals like Li Auto’s L9 and Huawei-backed Aito M9, both leaders in the high-end SUV space.
Xiaomi YU9: Big, Bold, and Tech-Heavy

Spy shots making the rounds on Chinese social media show a massive SUV, roughly 5.3 meters long, with a boxy, upright profile, high beltline, and sharp contours—marking a design departure from Xiaomi's sleeker SU7 and YU7. A roof-mounted LiDAR sensor confirms Xiaomi’s focus on advanced driver-assistance technologies (ADAS).

Some enthusiasts are even comparing its proportions to ultra-luxury SUVs like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan—a stretch, perhaps, but it shows the ambition behind this vehicle.
Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood, the YU9 is expected to feature a 1.5-liter turbocharged range extender engine, likely sourced from Dong'an Power, to juice up the battery. This setup will power a dual-motor AWD system delivering a rumored 400+ horsepower—enough for a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 5 seconds.

The YU9 could offer an electric-only range of 200 km, while the generator could push the total range to 1,500 km on China’s CLTC testing cycle—numbers that would position it among the best in its class.
Interior and Tech

The YU9 will be Xiaomi's first vehicle with a 6-seat or 7-seat layout (2+2+2 or 2+3+2). The cabin is expected to feature a large central touchscreen, a rotating digital instrument cluster, and seamless HyperOS integration. For added practicality, rear-wheel steering may also be included to improve low-speed maneuverability.
Price and Competition

In true Xiaomi fashion, the YU9 will likely disrupt on price. With Li Auto L9 priced from RMB 409,800 (~€48,700) and Aito M9 starting at RMB 469,800 (~€55,900), reports suggest Xiaomi could price the YU9 from just RMB 359,800 (~€43,000), with high-spec models staying below RMB 500,000 (~€58,900).

If true, Xiaomi could be setting the stage for a serious shake-up in the Chinese premium SUV market.

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