Xiaomi Tests First Hybrid SUV in Xinjiang as EV Push Accelerates
Xiaomi Corp. is advancing its foray into the competitive electric vehicle market, with founder and Chief Executive Officer Lei Jun personally overseeing high-altitude road tests for its third model, a full-size SUV that is expected to be its first hybrid offering.
Lei confirmed his presence on the Pamir Plateau in Xinjiang this week, where engineers are testing vehicle performance at elevations exceeding 4,000 meters. This direct involvement from top leadership signals the new model, internally codenamed YU9, is entering the final stages of development ahead of a potential 2026 launch.
The move comes as the smartphone giant’s automotive division gains momentum, with monthly deliveries surpassing 40,000 units for the first time in September 2025. The introduction of a range-extended model is a strategic step to broaden its product portfolio beyond pure electric cars, aiming to capture a wider segment of China’s auto market.
Spy shots from the tests show camouflaged SUVs, which are expected to be the company’s first vehicles featuring a range-extender powertrain. This technology addresses the range anxiety concerns that can be a barrier for some EV buyers, particularly for long-distance travel.
Executive Team on Site
Lei posted on social media on Oct. 11 confirming that Xiaomi’s automotive team was conducting high-altitude tests at Karakul Lake, located at an altitude of over 3,600 meters. He later clarified that the actual tests, involving more than 20 engineers, were taking place on the Pamir Plateau at an average elevation above 4,000 meters to assess range, charging, and sun resistance.
While Lei’s posts mentioned testing the YU7 model, the timing and the company's past practice of having executives supervise late-stage development suggest the new YU9 model is also undergoing tests. The executive team's presence was further confirmed by social media posts from Xiaomi Auto senior advisor Hu Zhengnan and product department head Yu Kai, who were also in Xinjiang.
A Range-Extender SUV
The YU9 is slated to be Xiaomi’s first range-extended electric vehicle (EREV) and its entry into the full-size SUV segment. Spy shots that first surfaced in November 2024 revealed an exhaust system, indicating a hybrid powertrain. The vehicle is expected to be over 5.2 meters long, larger than its YU7 sedan.
Leaked specifications suggest the YU9 will be equipped with an 80 kWh battery pack, offering a pure-electric range of more than 400 kilometers. Its design features a boxy, rugged aesthetic with elements including a full-width LED light bar and an upright D-pillar, consistent with Xiaomi's established family design language.
Market Positioning and Price
The YU9 is reportedly positioned as a large, D-segment SUV and will be available in six and seven-seat configurations. Industry speculation places the starting price at around 359,800 yuan (approximately $49,300), with the top-tier version expected to be under 500,000 yuan. The vehicle is anticipated to launch in 2026, a timeline that aligns with a Deutsche Bank research note forecasting a large hybrid SUV from Xiaomi that year. Like its predecessor, the YU7, the YU9 is expected to come standard with LiDAR for its advanced driver-assistance systems.
Expanding Product Matrix
The launch of the YU9 would represent a key strategic move for Xiaomi , filling a gap in its vehicle lineup, which currently consists only of pure-electric models. By incorporating EREV technology, Xiaomi aims to build a comprehensive "pure EV + range-extender" portfolio to cater to diverse consumer demands. This strategy is critical as the company seeks to build on the early success of its SU7 and YU7 models and solidify its position in China’s crowded automotive market.