Watch Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun’s 5‑hour livestream dissecting the YU7 electric SUV, debunking safety myths and showcasing its steel frame. Learn more!
At the start of 2026, Xiaomi’s chief executive Lei Jun hosted an almost five‑hour live broadcast, inviting the company’s top engineers to take the YU7 electric SUV apart on camera.
Clearing Up the Range Controversy
The livestream began with Lei Jun addressing a common misunderstanding: the YU7’s quoted 1,300‑kilometre range is measured with a brief intermediate charge, not a single uninterrupted run. He explained how the figure is calculated and why it still represents a competitive real‑world distance.
Debunking the “Wheel‑Ejection” Video
Social media users had shared clips showing a YU7 wheel flying off after a high‑speed impact, accusing Xiaomi of poor material quality. During the disassembly, engineers demonstrated that the wheel‑ejection system is an intentional safety feature. In a severe collision, the wheel is pushed outward to absorb energy and keep the cabin space intact, rather than being forced into the under‑carriage.
Robust Engineering Inside the YU7
Lei Jun highlighted the use of ultra‑high‑strength steel, rated at 2,200 MPa, for the vehicle’s frame. This creates a “protective cage” that boosts crash safety while keeping the SUV’s weight optimal.
Luxury Details You Can’t See
Beyond the mechanical components, the livestream showcased over 120 acoustic‑insulation panels covering the body and an advanced air‑filter system that captures 99.95 % of airborne particles, adding to the YU7’s premium feel.
Business Milestones and Future Plans
Lei Jun announced that Xiaomi delivered more than 410,000 vehicles in 2025. The company set an ambitious target of 550,000 units for 2026 and pledged to improve marketing clarity—such as using larger fonts on advertisements—to avoid future misunderstandings.
The extensive broadcast not only answered critics but also underscored Xiaomi’s commitment to transparency and responsibility in the rapidly evolving electric‑vehicle market.