Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun hosts a 5‑hour livestream tearing down the YU7 electric SUV, debunking safety myths and revealing its strong steel frame. Learn more now!
At the start of 2026, Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun kicked off a near‑five‑hour live broadcast that put the YU7 electric SUV under the microscope. Joined by senior engineers, the session turned the assembly line into a stage for a full‑scale “dissection” of the vehicle.
Why a livestream?
The move was a direct response to a wave of criticism and viral videos questioning the YU7’s safety and performance. Lei Jun used the platform to demonstrate transparency, stating that showing the car’s inner workings was about “taking responsibility for how we build cars.”
Clearing up the range controversy
One of the most‑cited misunderstandings involved the YU7’s advertised 1,300 km range. The figure is accurate only when an intermediate charging stop is included—a nuance that many online posts missed. Lei Jun clarified the calculation live, helping consumers see the realistic driving distance on a single charge.
Myth‑busting the high‑speed brake test
Another viral clip showed the SUV allegedly “locking up” at 200 km/h. During the stream, engineers explained the test conditions and demonstrated that the vehicle’s electronic stability system correctly intervened to maintain control, not to cause a sudden stop.
Active safety mechanism: wheel ejection
Perhaps the most striking segment involved a crash test where the YU7’s wheels appeared to fly off. Rather than a material defect, Xiaomi engineers revealed it is a deliberate safety feature. In a severe impact, the wheel hub is designed to push outward, reducing the force transmitted to the passenger cabin and preventing the wheel from being forced into the under‑car structure.
Robust construction with ultra‑high‑strength steel
The YU7’s chassis is built from a 2,200 MPa ultra‑high‑strength steel, creating a “protective cage” that keeps the vehicle lightweight while delivering exceptional rigidity. This material choice underpins the SUV’s crash‑worthiness and handling dynamics.
Luxury touches that stay hidden
Beyond the visible mechanics, the livestream highlighted the SUV’s “invisible” luxuries: more than 120 sound‑deadening panels line the body, and an advanced air‑filter system captures up to 99.95 % of airborne particles, ensuring a quiet and healthy cabin environment.
Business milestones and future goals
Le Jun also announced that Xiaomi delivered over 410,000 vehicles in 2025. The company aims to ramp up to 550,000 units in 2026 and pledged to improve marketing clarity—such as enlarging font sizes on promotional boards—to avoid future misunderstandings.
The extensive livestream not only answered skeptics but also reinforced Xiaomi’s commitment to safety, innovation, and transparent communication as it expands its foothold in the global EV market.