Xiaomi’s latest electric SUV, the YU7, has sparked controversy in China over its original design, with some drawing comparisons to Porsche and now Ferrari. This isn’t the first time Xiaomi has faced such scrutiny, as their previous electric sedan, the SU7, faced similar accusations.
The recent debate was sparked by a Weibo post from Ai Tiecheng, former leader of Nio’s subsidiary brand, Onvo. Ai’s post read, “Entrepreneurs and consumers should support original creativity.” While he later clarified that this comment wasn’t aimed at the automotive industry, many interpreted it as a critique of Xiaomi’s design strategy.
The Xiaomi YU7, recently launched in China, has sparked a debate about its design originality.
Ai has been a vocal supporter of domestic innovation, stating that “companies built on copying will not be sustainable.” Coupled with his previous praise for Nio’s designs, many interpreted his comments as a subtle jab at Xiaomi’s vehicles, often compared to global luxury brands.
The debate intensified when Ferrari China introduced the Purosangue high-rider in a classic Verde Dora green on their official Weibo account. Interestingly, Xiaomi also unveiled the YU7 in a similar emerald green shade, inspired, according to Xiaomi’s CEO Lei Jun, by Colombian emeralds. Nonetheless, netizens quickly dubbed the YU7 the “Ferrari Mi,” following the “Porsche Mi” nickname given to the SU7.
Ferrari Purosangue in Verde Dora, a classic color chosen by Enzo Ferrari decades ago.
The design similarities between the Xiaomi YU7 and the Ferrari Purosangue sparked a wave of humor online. Some joked about thanking Lei Jun for bringing Ferrari to the masses, while others noted the unintended publicity for Ferrari, with “Ferrari Purosangue” trending in China, second only to “Xiaomi YU7” and other Xiaomi models.
Xiaomi’s new car launch indirectly benefits Ferrari’s online presence in China.
Chinese netizens also pointed out similarities between the Ferrari Purosangue and the 2016 Mazda CX-4, with the Toyota Crown Sport earning the nickname “Japanese Ferrari” due to its resemblance to the Purosangue. These comparisons led to humorous speculation that Mazda might be the unexpected trendsetter for today’s electric sports car designs.
The 2016 Mazda CX-4 (left) and Ferrari Purosangue (right) exhibit design similarities, leading to lighthearted comparisons.
Ferrari Purosangue: The sports car with a unique design that has drawn comparisons to other vehicles.
Toyota Crown Sport: Nicknamed the “Japanese Ferrari” due to its design similarities to the Purosangue.
Xiaomi YU7: The latest Xiaomi model at the center of the design originality debate.
Xiaomi has faced similar design controversies in the past. When the Xiaomi SU7 was compared to the Porsche Taycan, Porsche China’s CEO diplomatically responded that “great minds think alike.” Meanwhile, Lei Jun has consistently maintained that Xiaomi’s designs are original, with careful consideration given to every detail.
Despite the criticism, the Xiaomi SU7 has achieved impressive sales figures, outperforming the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Han in China’s premium electric car segment. At Xiaomi’s 15th-anniversary event, Lei Jun announced that the company had delivered over 258,000 SU7 units to customers. Now, all eyes are on the Xiaomi YU7, and only time will tell if the “Ferrari Mi” nickname will help or hinder its market reception.
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