Xiaomi is no longer just a smartphone titan; it’s a predatory force in the EV market. After the massive success of the SU7 and the mid-size YU7 crossover (launched June 2025), the brand is shifting its focus toward Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs). This move, teased by Pan Jiutang of Xiaomi’s Industrial Investment Department on January 13, 2026, signals a departure from their “pure EV only” origins to tackle the one thing 800V charging hasn’t killed: range anxiety.
The “Kunlun” Flagship: Specs and Strategy
The internal project codenamed “Kunlun” (likely to be branded as the YU9) is a massive, three-row, 7-seater SUV aimed directly at the luxury family market. Unlike the SU7’s sporty profile, Kunlun is a boxy, Range Rover-esque behemoth.
- The Powertrain:It will feature a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine acting strictly as a generator. This isn’t a traditional hybrid; the wheels are always driven by electricity.
- The “Large Battery” Plan:Leaks suggest a massive70kWh to 80kWh batterypack. This allows for nearly500kmof pure electric range before the gas generator even kicks in—total range is expected to hit a staggering1,500km.
- Targeting Li Auto:Pan Jiutang was blunt—Xiaomi is benchmarking the current EREV king,Li Auto L9. By using a “Large Battery” strategy, Xiaomi hopes to offer a car that acts like an EV for 90% of city commutes but functions as a cross-country cruiser without charging stops.
HyperConnect 3.0: The Ecosystem Advantage
What makes a Xiaomi car different from a traditional automaker’s EREV is HyperConnect. In 2026, the car is essentially a giant “Ultra” smartphone on wheels.
- Smart Cockpit:Powered by theSnapdragon 8 Elite(automotive grade), the infotainment system integrates seamlessly withHyperOS 3.0.
- Biometric Sync:YourXiaomi Band 9orXRING O1will auto-sync heart rate and stress data to adjust the “Defocus” interior lighting and climate control.
- Global Ambitions:While the EREV SUVs are China-first, Xiaomi’s new R&D center inMunichsuggests these range-extended technologies are being prepped for an international “Stage 2” rollout in 2027.
With a 2026 delivery target of 550,000 units, Xiaomi isn’t just playing catch-up; they are leveraging their “Redmi K-series” logic of high specs and aggressive pricing to dominate the family SUV segment.
Source from Gizchina
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