Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun Unveils YU7 SUV in Live Stream Teardown

This move is seen as Xiaomi’s direct and public response to the wave of criticism and debate surrounding its electric vehicles, which has been spreading rapidly on Chinese social media.

Throughout the livestream, Lei Jun addressed various controversial topics, including range figures, viral videos claiming the car could “instantly brake at 200 km/h,” footage of wheels detaching upon impact, and marketing details accused of being misleading due to fine print. He emphasized that the livestream’s purpose was not to show off but to allow the public to witness Xiaomi’s technical expertise, material quality, and commitment to safety as it enters the automotive industry.

One of the most discussed points was the claim that the YU7 could travel 1,300 km on a single charge. Lei Jun clarified that this was a misinterpretation. The original statement was “1,300 km with an intermediate charge,” which was misconstrued as a completely charge-free range. Similarly, the allegation of “instant braking at 200 km/h” stemmed from an in-house test of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, later edited and falsely attributed to the YU7 to create negative publicity.

Regarding videos showing the YU7’s wheels detaching upon impact, the head of Xiaomi Automobile explained that this was not a structural or material defect. Instead, it was part of an active safety design intended to reduce cabin impact forces and control deformation in severe accidents. He stressed that safety assessments should consider technical context rather than isolated clips circulating online.

To demonstrate the YU7’s build quality, Xiaomi revealed that the vehicle uses ultra-high-strength steel with a tensile strength of 2,200 MPa. This achievement is the result of collaboration with leading expert Wang Guodong, placing the YU7 among the most durable vehicles in its segment. Lei Jun urged the public to evaluate the car fairly, avoiding comparisons between the affordable YU7 and premium models priced significantly higher.

The livestream was not just a technical showcase but also a statement of transparency. Initially, the comment section was disabled, but it was later fully reopened to allow Lei Jun to engage directly with viewers. He emphasized that dismantling the car in front of millions was the most tangible way to demonstrate Xiaomi’s accountability to consumers, rather than relying on flashy marketing campaigns.

At the livestream’s conclusion, Lei Jun announced that the dismantled YU7 would be reassembled and undergo rigorous testing for research purposes, ensuring it would never enter the commercial market. This commitment underscores Xiaomi’s dedication to quality and customer trust.

Statistics highlight the company’s strong growth in the electric vehicle sector. In 2025, Xiaomi Automobile successfully delivered 410,000 vehicles to customers. For 2026, the company has set an ambitious sales target of 550,000 units. By openly dissecting its products in live events, Xiaomi is demonstrating its determination to build solid trust in a fiercely competitive electric vehicle market.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)