Emir BardakçıThe test vehicle of the YU7 from Xiaomi, again on Chinese roads and this time with another prototype, has been spotted featuring the number 062. Both vehicles were heavily camouflaged but provided interesting insights regarding the upcoming electric vehicle designs by Xiaomi. With new information about design and possible feature differences, the YU7 is turning out to be a strong contender in the tough electric vehicle market.
Distinctive Door Handle Designs
But perhaps one of the most striking things to be gleaned from the latest spied shots is the very real possibility that the YU7 may well boast a couple of types of door handles. On this prototype, numbered 062, the door handles appear semi-concealed, suggesting a retractable design once the car is unlocked. That’s in contrast to previous spied shots, where handles did appear flush with bodywork and thus seemed to denote fixed, non-pop-up designs.
That said, this difference could point out that maybe Xiaomi offers optional designs for the door handle style, with the styles more appealing to customers. Indeed, such an option also perfectly corresponds to the corporate strategy followed by the brand- to provide user-oriented customized products, be it in high technology, and also likely soon beat Tesla at its own game.
Innovative Air Bridge Design
It has an air bridge design running from the headlamp to the back of the car, something quite different from the earlier prototype, the SU7. This sleek and aerodynamic feature adds great visual appeal to the car and underlines Xiaomi’s commitment to modern and efficient design principles.
Clamshell Trunk for Maximum Utility
Other features include the lack of slits on the front hood, which confirms the fact that the YU7 is going to feature a clamshell trunk design. Such an arrangement provides complete opening for the trunk, enhancing usability and accessibility for users. This feature also contributes to a more pragmatic line with the general concept pursued by Xiaomi: the ease of use.
Variants with and without Laser Radar
Curiously, one of them does not have the top-mounted laser radar seen on some other test models. That may be a hint toward the standard version, presumably for cost reduction to rival the likes of Tesla Model Y. By offering different setups, Xiaomi positions the YU7 to appeal to an even greater audience with varied budgets.
Competitor to Tesla Model Y
With its innovative design and set of features, the setup clearly makes the YU7 stand toe-to-toe with the Tesla Model Y. Affordability, in addition to advanced technology, with integration into its platform of HyperOS, should provide a real shake-up in the market. The lack of laser radar on one variant also reinforces the belief that Xiaomi wants to offer a competitive, much more affordable standard version.
More information should surface as road testing of the YU7 continues. Multiple variants and special features, such as semi-concealed door handles and a clamshell trunk, are clear pointers to Xiaomi’s ambitious roadmap for the EV market. It may launch at the end of 2025 and create waves in the auto industry. Stay tuned as Xiaomi continues refining its electric vehicle lineup with the latest technology mixed with user-friendly design at competitive prices.
