The race is on for Xiaomi’s next big automotive reveal. Xiaomi YU9, the company’s third car, has broken cover in Xinjiang, China,  sparking a wave of buzz across the industry. What makes this test stand out is not just the extreme mountain terrain, but the fact that CEO Lei Jun himself is on site, fueling speculation that the YU9 could be nearing a major milestone on its road to a 2026 launch.

Testing in Xinjiang Mountains

Spy photos of a camouflaged SUV believed to be the YU9 surfaced online during testing in Xinjiang. The site, located at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains, is known for its high elevation and extreme weather conditions. These factors make it an ideal location for endurance testing of powertrain systems and overall vehicle performance.

The focus of the current test phase is on battery life, charging performance, and sun protection, key elements for electric and hybrid vehicles operating in harsh environments. This kind of high-altitude testing mirrors the process Xiaomi followed for its earlier models, the Xiaomi SU7 and Xiaomi YU7, shortly before their official launches.

Top Executives on Site

Lei Jun confirmed his arrival in Xinjiang through social media posts, sharing photos taken near the Kunlun Mountains. Other top executives also participated  in the testing process. This level of executive involvement highlights the strategic importance of the YU9 project for Xiaomi’s growing automotive business.

Hybrid Powertrain and Long EV Range

Although official specifications have not been released, leaked and rumored details suggest that the YU9 will use an extended-range hybrid powertrain. It is expected to feature an 80 kWh battery, offering more than 400 km of pure electric range. The SUV’s expected length is over 5.2 meters with a height of around 1.8 meters, placing it in the large D-segment category.

Spy photos also suggest that the YU9 may not use a dual-screen layout in its central control area but is likely to feature lidar sensors for advanced driver assistance functions.

Market Launch Expected in 2026

The first spy photos of the YU9 appeared in late 2024, and according to a report from Deutsche Bank, Xiaomi plans to launch a large hybrid SUV in 2026. Given its size, powertrain, and testing timeline, the YU9 fits this description closely. This suggests that the vehicle is moving toward pre-production testing, with a formal debut likely in the near future.

Xiaomi Auto’s Rapid Growth

Xiaomi’s entry into the automotive sector began in March 2021, and progress has been rapid. The company completed its first trial production car in August 2023 and launched the SU7 in March 2024. The YU7 followed in May 2025, marking Xiaomi’s second major EV release. The company also secured its own manufacturing qualification in July 2024 and expanded its retail and service network across China.

By July 2025, cumulative deliveries of Xiaomi vehicles exceeded 300,000 units. Alongside new model development, Xiaomi is also investing in advanced autonomous driving technology through its Xiaomi HAD system, set to launch by the end of 2024.

A Strategic SUV Launch Ahead

With high-altitude testing underway, executive presence on site, and a clear product roadmap, the YU9 is shaping up to be a major addition to Xiaomi’s automotive lineup. Its extended-range hybrid powertrain and large SUV profile suggest the company is aiming to compete strongly in China’s high-end SUV market segment starting in 2026.

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(via)

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Previously it was rumored that Xiaomi is working on the “Xiaomi SU8” which was apparently scheduled to be unveiled today. A Xiaomi official recently denied the presence of the “Xiaomi SU8” in one of his Weibo posts. He said that the news is fake and that there is no such car under development. However, there have been some spy photos of an SUV that is said to be from Xiaomi.

Netizens are seemingly excited to see a successor to the Xiaomi SU7

Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi, announced today that he would hold the fifth annual speech at 19:00 on the evening of July 19. he will talk about the ins and outs of car manufacturing and the ups and downs of the past three years. So far, he has not revealed anything about the development or launch time of a new car. However, according to rumors, the company could unveil a new car (speculated to be an SUV) at the event.

According to some previous reports, the event on July 19 will also include the announcement of the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4, Redmi K70 Ultra, and Xiaomi Mix Flip. While we cannot be sure about the unveiling of a new car from the company, spy photos show that the car is an SUV, which is reportedly code-named MX11. The car is expected to be unveiled by the end of this year or early next year.

Not to mention, the leaked images of the SUV reveal a design similar to the Xiaomi SU7, such as the M-shaped headlights, pebble-style laser radar, etc.

Speaking of the Xiaomi SU7, the company has ramped up its production to shorten the waiting period. A previous report claims that the company sold over 10,000 units of the SU7 in June and is also expected to sell another 10,000 units this month. Xiaomi Auto is reportedly planning to deliver a total of 100,000 EVs this year.

(Source)

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In today’s tech news roundup, we bring you the latest revelations, from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered OnePlus Pad Pro to the upcoming OnePlus Ace 3 Pro, Watch 3, and Buds 3 Pro, all set for a grand unveiling on June 27 in China.

Also, get ready for the Redmi 13 5G, launching in India on July 9, and catch the first glimpses of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 with leaked dummy photos hinting at sleek design improvements.

Finally, spy photos of Xiaomi Auto’s upcoming SUV have surfaced, sparking excitement for its 2025 release.

All of this and more is in today’s roundup below.

OnePlus Pad Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 revealed, design, color options confirmed

Earlier today, OnePlus confirmed that it will announce a couple of new products, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered OnePlus Ace 3 Pro, on June 27 in China. Alongside the Ace 3 Pro, we expect the brand to unveil the OnePlus Pad Pro, the OnePlus Watch 3, and the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro TWS earbuds. Shown below is the first official image of the Pad Pro, which showcases its design and color options.

Read more

Redmi 13 5G Indian launch set for July 9, Design & Key Specs revealed

Redmi recently shared details about the success of the Redmi 12 5G (review) smartphone in India, which has already managed to sell 4 million units. Now, the launch of its successor, also known as the Redmi 13 5G is on the horizon.

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Galaxy Z Fold 6 & Galaxy Z Flip 6 dummy photos leaked

Leaked dummy photos of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 reveal potential design changes, including a less prominent crease, a stamped logo variant, and improved hinge protection. The devices are set to be unveiled in Paris on July 10, showcasing Samsung’s focus on sleek design and user-friendly enhancements.

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First Glimpse: Leaked Photos Offer Look at Xiaomi Auto’s Upcoming SUV

Exciting news for car enthusiasts as leaked spy photos of Xiaomi Auto’s upcoming SUV surface, hint at its sleek design with a clamshell-style hood, roof-mounted laser radar, and sporty silhouette. Reports suggest a potential 2025 release for the SUV.

Read more

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