XIAOMI YU7 :3 minutes sales 200,000 cars

3 minutes: 200,000 pre-orders locked in.

1 hour: Nearly 290,000!​​

Before the official announcement of 200,000 pre-orders in three minutes, Lei Jun had already revealed even more staggering details to the media via an employee’s phone on stage: ​In just the first two minutes, pre-orders surged to 198,000, with 128,000 of those being non-refundable locked orders!​​

A near-200,000 mark in two minutes is jaw-dropping enough, but a ​lock-in rate exceeding 60%​​ is undeniable proof: ​A massive number of consumers genuinely want the YU7.​​ Even Lei Jun, no stranger to blockbuster moments, couldn’t hide his surprise, calling it a “miracle co-created with users.”

Given the current cautious sentiment in the auto market, some hesitant buyers may still convert after online research or test drives. ​The YU7’s first-day pre-orders will almost certainly surpass 300,000, possibly even 350,000–400,000.​​ The actual lock-in rate could climb to ​~70% (245,000–280,000 orders)​ — roughly matching the ​SU7’s cumulative sales over 13 months (April 2024–May 2025: <280,000 units).​​

The YU7’s record has become a milestone in China’s auto history, one that will be hard to top anytime soon.

​Why did the YU7 achieve such explosive success at launch? And what challenges await Xiaomi next?​​ Let’s break it down.

​The Blockbuster Launch: Unexpected, Yet Inevitable​

The YU7’s debut brought some “unexpected” reactions, starting with its ​subdued pre-launch buzz​ compared to the SU7’s feverish anticipation last year. While city billboards and Weibo teasers persisted, the event lacked the star-studded turnout of internet moguls, and marketing traction seemed muted.

The data speaks volumes: ​Lei Jun’s and Xiaomi Auto’s livestreams drew just 3.23 million combined viewers — falling short of the SU7’s numbers from Xiaomi Auto’s solo stream last year.

Then there’s the price, which ultimately delivered ​no surprises. Pre-launch leaks had already pegged the YU7’s range at ​​¥250,000–330,000, a “safe” bracket where pricing below would’ve been a win, and above, a stretch. Xiaomi landed squarely in the middle, avoiding the SU7’s hyper-aggressive discounts.

Even its ​configurations leaned conservative. The top-tier ​Max trim (¥329,900)​​ ships with standard 19-inch wheels; upgrading to 20- or 21-inch costs ​​¥6,000 or ¥12,000 extra. A ​portable fridge, a hot selling point for rivals, is a ​​¥2,000 add-on​ across all trims.

​Why it won over swarms of buyers instantly?​​

​Emotional appeal trumped specs.​​ The YU7’s divisive design — a stretched, coupe-like silhouette with a sleek front end — stands out in a sea of homogeneity. Its taller body allows for a more balanced rear, with diffusers and taillights arranged effortlessly. The lighting clusters echo the SU7 but add intricate layering for premium flair.

​Interior: A Leap in Luxury​

The cabin’s upgrades are stark. The ​dashboard slims down​ by ditching traditional HUDs, while the steering wheel adopts a racer-inspired elongated base.

The ​​”Skyline Display”​​ (projected onto a tinted windshield) shines even under harsh light, offering an unobstructed view for both driver and passenger — far surpassing conventional HUDs.

Other innovations:

​Zero-gravity front seats, prioritizing driver comfort.
​Electrochromic panoramic roof​ for instant shade and UV protection.
​Powered threaded ports​ on the dashboard (a quirky yet genius touch).
Add in ​soundproofing​ (double-glazed triangular windows) and a ​sporty-yet-comfy suspension, and the YU7 carves a niche as a ​​¥250,000 “luxe + performance + EV” SUV — balancing specs with personality.

This defies China’s trend toward cookie-cutter cars. As rivals play it safe, consumers are rebelling, craving uniqueness. ​Yiche Research (2024) notes 46.6% of buyers under 35 prioritize styling (52.39% among women)​ — precisely Xiaomi’s target.

Many of these buyers grew up with Xiaomi’s gadgets, and the YU7’s blend of ​hardware prowess and emotional pull​ likely fueled the pre-order frenzy.

​Next Challenge: Scaling Production​

The “bad news” following the pre-order tsunami? ​Ramping up output.​​

Insiders reveal the ​first YU7 batches are being squeezed out of Xiaomi’s Plant 1, with ​daily output fluctuating. This can’t sustain the YU7’s demand, let alone the SU7’s steady sales.

All eyes are on ​Plant 2, which began construction last July. Rumors suggest equipment is in place, but full production won’t start until ​July, followed by a ramp-up phase.

Delays are inevitable. The SU7’s early delivery windows hit ​32–40 weeks, driving some to cancel for rivals like Tesla. The YU7’s app currently only states ​​”first deliveries start August”​ — but wait times could set new records.

Leaked supplier docs hint at a ​2025 capacity target of 300,000 units (two plants, no overtime)​. But with the SU7 nearing ​28,000 monthly deliveries late last year, Plant 1 is already exceeding that. If YU7 demand holds, ​Plant 2 may need 24/7 shifts.

​Competitors Won’t Sit Still​

Rivals will strike back. ​Tesla, for one, could slash prices to counter the YU7, sparking a new price war. How Xiaomi responds will be critical.

But for now, the YU7 has cleared its first hurdle with flying colors. ​The real battle — scaling and defending its lead — is just beginning.​