Xiaomi’s CEO Lei Jun streamed a 5‑hour live teardown of the YU7 electric SUV, addressing myths and showcasing engineering quality. Discover the details now.
Why the Livestream Happened
On January 3, Xiaomi’s founder, chairman and CEO Lei Jun hosted a four‑to‑five‑hour live broadcast. The purpose? To dismantle the brand‑new YU7 electric SUV on camera and respond directly to a wave of online criticism and misinformation.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
During the stream, Lei tackled several viral claims that had been circulating on social media:
- Range exaggeration: Some posts insisted the YU7 could travel 1,300 km on a single charge. Lei clarified that the figure refers to a “mid‑charge stop” scenario—essentially two driving legs with a quick top‑up in between, not a single uninterrupted charge.
- Instant braking at 200 km/h: A sensational video suggested the SUV could stop instantly from 200 km/h. Lei explained the clip was taken from a controlled test of the SU7 Ultra prototype and had been heavily edited, misrepresenting the actual capabilities.
- Wheel rim release on impact: Footage showing a rim popping off was interpreted as a material defect. In reality, the design deliberately allows the rim to detach in severe collisions, reducing cabin pressure and safely dissipating crash forces.
Technical Details of the YU7
Lei used the teardown to showcase the high‑strength 2,200 MPa steel employed in the YU7’s frame—one of the toughest alloys used in mass‑produced vehicles. He also highlighted engineering choices that balance cost, safety, and performance, emphasizing that the YU7 is a mid‑segment EV and shouldn’t be judged against luxury models priced at 1–2 million RMB (≈ $286k).
Future Delivery Targets
At the end of the session, Lei announced that Xiaomi Auto had delivered 410,000 vehicles in 2025 and set a goal of 550,000 deliveries for 2026. He stressed that the target is “ambitious yet realistic,” reflecting the company’s growing production capacity and commitment to the EV market.
Community Reaction and Call for Fair Dialogue
The livestream began with comments disabled but was later opened, allowing viewers to ask questions in real time. Lei repeatedly invited the audience to share feedback, urging a fair, fact‑based discussion about the YU7’s place in its market segment.
By providing a transparent, hands‑on look at the YU7, Xiaomi Auto made its first public effort to settle the debate and demonstrate the vehicle’s engineering integrity.