In a direct response to a Bloomberg report that claimed Xiaomi’s YU7 would miss its original launch window with no revised date confirmed, Wang Hua, head of Xiaomi’s public relations department, took to his personal Weibo account on Wednesday to clarify: “The launch date has not been changed.”
The YU7, seen by many as Xiaomi’s boldest step yet into the EV arena and a potential rival to Tesla’s Model Y, was notably absent from this year’s Shanghai Auto Show — sparking widespread speculation about potential delays. The company, which stole headlines at last year’s Beijing Auto Show with its SU7 sedan reveal, opted for a more subdued presence in Shanghai. No press conference was held, and only the SU7 and SU7 Ultra models were on display.
Adding to the mystery, Xiaomi’s high-profile founder and CEO, Lei Jun, who commanded attention at the 2024 Beijing show with cameras trailing his every move, was not in attendance this time around. A Xiaomi spokesperson attributed his absence to a “scheduling clash,” noting that Lei is still actively promoting the brand and the auto show through his Weibo posts.
Xiaomi’s automotive ambitions hit turbulence recently when a fatal accident involving an SU7 sedan raised concerns about the safety of the brand’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The car, reportedly traveling at 97 kph (60 mph), struck a roadside pole and caught fire, resulting in the deaths of the driver and two passengers. The incident has drawn scrutiny amid Xiaomi's push into smart mobility.
Despite this setback and the muted auto show presence, Xiaomi remains steadfast in its EV roadmap. The company’s official line is clear: the YU7 SUV will still hit the market this summer, continuing the tech giant’s strategic expansion into the competitive electric vehicle space.