Xiaomi Launches SkyNomad Sub-Brand, Targeting Premium Family SUVs at Up to RMB 450,000
Xiaomi's automotive unit has officially unveiled a new brand called SkyNomad — known in as 澎程 (Péng Chéng) — marking the company's first move beyond its core EV lineup into a distinct sub-brand identity targeting the family outdoor travel segment.
The announcement, made on July 8, positions SkyNomad as an independent marque with its own badging, separate from Xiaomi's existing vehicle logo. The brand's name, which translates loosely as "sky nomad," signals a deliberate lifestyle positioning aimed at consumers seeking large-cabin, multi-purpose vehicles.
According to people familiar with the matter, SkyNomad is not the "Redmi Auto" product that had circulated in earlier online speculation. Instead, it represents a new product line following Xiaomi's existing SU7 and YU7 models, developed under a new design language. The brand is expected to compete directly with Li Auto's L9 and AITO's M9 — vehicles that have defined the premium large-SUV segment in China.
The first model under the SkyNomad banner is expected to be a range-extender SUV offered in five- and seven-seat configurations. The seven-seat variant is reported to feature a retractable roof that, when raised, creates a tent-like elevated living space, enabling recreational vehicle-style use. Vehicle dimensions are said to exceed 5.3 meters in length with a wheelbase of approximately 3.1 meters.
Pricing is expected to range from RMB 200,000 to RMB 450,000 yuan (approximately US$27,800 to US$62,500), placing SkyNomad squarely in the premium family SUV bracket — a segment that has seen intensifying competition among domestic Chinese automakers.
A technology launch event is reportedly scheduled for July 30, with the first model anticipated to go on sale in the second half of 2026. The launch would make SkyNomad one of the most closely watched SUV introductions of the year, given Xiaomi Auto's rapid rise in China's electric vehicle market since entering the segment.
The move to operate SkyNomad as an independent brand — complete with dedicated social media accounts on WeChat, video platforms, and Bilibili — suggests Xiaomi is pursuing a multi-brand strategy to address distinct consumer segments without diluting its core Xiaomi identity.
Related Coverage: