Latest news with #electricSUV
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Xiaomi's Model Y Challenger Breaks Pre-Order Records
Xiaomi's Model Y Challenger Breaks Pre-Order Records originally appeared on Autoblog. The Tesla Model Y has become the benchmark for electric SUVs, not just in the U.S., but especially in China – the world's largest EV market. In fact, the Model Y was one of the world's best-selling nameplates in 2024, surpassing even the sales of those powered by internal combustion engines. Of course, those at the top will sooner or later face rivals, and one of the newest challengers comes from an unexpected yet increasingly popular player: the Chinese tech giant Xiaomi. Best known for its smartphones, Xiaomi is quickly carving out space in the EV market. After making a strong debut with its SU7 sedan, which has outsold the Tesla Model 3 in China and even outgunned the Rimac Nevera at the Nürburgring, Xiaomi is now targeting SUV buyers with its newly launched YU7. Unsurprisingly, it's off to a great start. The YU7 is Xiaomi's first electric SUV, and, on paper, it's a bold and calculated strike at the Model Y. Slightly larger in size, the YU7 offers more presence on the road with a longer wheelbase and wider stance. Like the SU7 sedan, three variants are available – Standard, Pro, and Max – with both single- and dual-motor configurations. Acceleration is impressive across the board, with the top-spec Max hitting 0 to 62 mph in just 3.23 seconds, compared to 4.3 seconds for the Tesla Model Y Long Range. Battery capacity is another advantage: up to 101.7 kWh in the YU7 Max, claiming a range of up to 519 miles, substantially higher than the Model Y's 447 miles of maximum range in China. The YU7 also operates on a more modern 800-volt electrical architecture versus Tesla's 400-volt setup, which promises faster charging and better thermal efficiency. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Naturally, no battle in the tightly contested EV market is complete without a price war. The YU7 undercuts the Model Y right out of the gate: its base model starts at RMB 253,500 (around $35,360), about RMB 10,000 (roughly $1,400) cheaper than the base Model Y. Even the top-tier Max variant is more affordable than the fully loaded Tesla. Xiaomi also threw in limited-time benefits worth up to RMB 66,000 (approximately $9,200) for early buyers. That tactic worked as over 200,000 reservations were logged within just three minutes of the order books opening. Deliveries are expected within 1-5 weeks for early adopters, and Xiaomi even allows existing SU7 order holders to switch to the YU7 until June 29. With Tesla having issues selling its EVs this year in Europe and elsewhere, it's safe to say that Xiaomi is off to a great start. Xiaomi's Model Y Challenger Breaks Pre-Order Records first appeared on Autoblog on Jun 27, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Daily Mail
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
RAY MASSEY: New Genesis is a proper revelation
In the beginning was Genesis – the car firm, not the rock band, nor the opening book of the Bible. Ten years ago the upmarket Korean manufacturer became a standalone spin-off from its parent company Hyundai, which also owns Kia. And just four years ago in 2021, with great razzmatazz, Genesis launched itself in the UK and mainland Europe. But a combination of being the new kid on the block during a period of market instability, plus a slew of cheaper Chinese imports, meant the supposed springboard into the mainstream proved muted. So Genesis went back to the drawing board, slimmed down its range and is in the process of relaunching itself with a fresh stable of models – starting with the revamped G70 Electrified SUV, which I've just been driving. It's the first new Genesis in two years, although it will be followed by the smaller GV60 available to order from July. The new GV70 is a big beast packed with plenty of power – including a 'boost' button and fingerprint authentication. It's a smart alternative to established rivals from BMW, Audi and Tesla. Its styling is also suspiciously like that of a Bentley – at a fraction of the price. But imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Riding on 20in wheels, powered by an 84kWh battery (up from 77kWh) and with two electric motors, my all-wheel drive 490hp GV70 accelerates from rest in just 4.4 seconds – providing you press the 'boost' button and hold on to your hat when you do. For the rest of the time, it sails along with a more than adequate 440hp, with good handling and precise steering. Its engaging feel is in part due to a 'virtual gear shift' system, which electronically mimics the feel and sound of an 8-speed automatic gear-box on a petrol car. Beautifully finished outside and in, there are three trim levels, starting with Pure on 19in, priced from £65,915; Dynamic from £70,715 and range-topping Luxury with sumptuous Nappa leather which I tried first, from £74,915 – the latter two both on 20in tyres. There are three main drive modes – Eco, Comfort and Sport – plus a new 'AI' mode that reads the road and your driving style and adapts accordingly There are three main drive modes – Eco, Comfort and Sport – plus a new 'AI' mode that reads the road and your driving style and adapts accordingly. You can also set up the car for mud, sand and snow. There's decent space in the flexible boot, too, which expands from 503 litres to 1,678 litres with the rear seats down. Another neat detail is the charging port door on the front grill heats up in winter to prevent it freezing. Inside the beautifully appointed cabin, the centrepiece of the new dashboard design is a vast 27-inch one-piece digital display which dominates the front near the flat-bottomed steering wheel. But there are still plenty of physical buttons. Relaxation was assured as I was serenaded by a harmonious Bang and Olufsen 15-speaker surround-sound system. Fast charging is good with an 80 per cent charge promised in 19 minutes on a fast charger, but range at under 300 miles – at 298 miles it's an increase from 283 miles - is still lagging behind the competition. You can even 'clean' your phone as it charges - bathed under ultra violet light to kill-off microscopic bugs – thanks to a UV-C sterilisation box. Not a bad revival for Genesis – a second time around. Time to salute AA as it reaches 120 It's time to salute the Automobile Association, which celebrated its 120th anniversary on Thursday this week. The AA breakdown service was originally founded in 1905 as a response to sneaky police speed traps – alerting members to constables hiding behind bushes. Warning drivers of an impending speed trap was – and remains – illegal. So to get around the law, the AA cunningly introduced the salute, which AA roadside patrols would give to every passing member's car (identified by an AA badge on the front grille) – UNLESS there was a police speeding trap ahead. The famous AA salute was dropped in 1962, coinciding with the first batch of yellow vans, which took over from motorcycles and sidecars, pictured.
Car and Driver
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Volkswagen ID.Buzz Tested: 3-Row EVs Compared
The EV landscape is starting to offer variety for buyers looking for a versatile three-row vehicle. Previously, only a select few EVs could seat more than five people, but now there's a raft of entries in a variety of forms. Look at these two new options, for instance: The Volkswagen is a retro yet modern take on the old Microbus, while the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a futuristic-looking SUV that now serves as the flagship of the Korean automaker's electric subbrand. They couldn't really look more different from each other, but they're competitors nonetheless thanks to their price points, intended missions, and specifications. For this test, we matched up the top dual-motor versions of these electric family-mobiles. The Volkswagen's optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive setup produces 335 horsepower, while the Hyundai's most potent setup has 422 horsepower. They may be priced like luxury vehicles, with both coming in above $70,000, but they are also equipped like them. The Ioniq 9's fully loaded Calligraphy trim has power-operated second-row seats, multicolor ambient lighting, a head-up display, and a Bose premium audio system. The we tested was also in its top trim, called Pro S Plus. view exterior photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver view interior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver Interior and Exterior Both vehicles have distinctive design themes inside and out. The is instantly recognizable both as a van and as a throwback, with its two-tone paint scheme, slab-sided bodywork, and chunky wheel designs. The Ioniq 9, meanwhile, incorporates the same pixelated motif as the smaller Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 models, with little squares found everywhere from the headlights to the center console to the steering wheel. Its shape is almost wagon-like, and the odd-looking rear end has Volvo-style vertical taillights. Inside, it's tough to choose between the two in terms of build quality and materials. The Ioniq 9 is plush and straightforward in its approach, with soft leather and interestingly textured inserts in the dashboard. It has a familiar set of easy-to-use controls and navigable screens for the gauge cluster and central infotainment display. The Buzz, meanwhile, is more kitschy thanks to its colored panels and an interesting mix of plastic and rubber materials. We don't prefer its user interface, as the touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel and the sometimes confusing infotainment menus don't make it simple to operate the radio or the navigation system on the fly. view interior Photos Greg Pajo | Car and Driver view interior Photos Greg Pajo | Car and Driver It's immediately clear, however, that the feels far more spacious inside. It's a minivan, after all, and the second- and third-row seats are more accommodating for adults. Even the third-row seats have a reasonably upright seating position with plenty of headroom. The Ioniq 9's second-row seats are quite comfy and feature lounge-style extendable ottomans in the top Calligraphy trim, but the functionality of this feature is questionable, as there's really only enough room for kids to be able to stretch their legs with the footrests extended. The Ioniq 9 has the advantage in terms of ease of cargo adaptability. The second- and third-row seats fold flat at the push of a button, creating a relatively expansive load floor. While the might appear to be a cargo-carrying maven on paper, the configurability of the seats is clunky. To collapse the seats, which don't fold flat into the floor, you have to pull various straps. Behind the third row is a false cargo floor with bins underneath that creates a flush surface with the folded third-row seatbacks, which is a bit of a weird solution. view exterior photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver Powertrain and Performance If the words "dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain" are starting to sound repetitive, then you've probably been reading a lot about EVs. Both the Ioniq 9 and the use this ubiquitous setup, although there are notable differences in their performance. Although both models come standard with lower-powered single-motor, rear-wheel-drive configurations, the Ioniq 9's top dual-motor configuration has 422 horsepower, far more than the 335 horsepower. Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy HIGHS: Comfortable and quiet ride, strong acceleration, good EPA range, fast charging. LOWS: Third-row space is compromised, interior is too similar to cheaper Ioniq models, weird styling isn't for everyone. VERDICT: The Ioniq 9 delivers a complete package, with the range, features, and performance to please most buyers. Both test vehicles weigh over 6000 pounds, with the coming in at 6174 pounds and the Ioniq 9 at 6034 pounds. That makes them considerably heavier than conventional gas-powered minivans and three-row SUVs, but their electric motors are still powerful enough to provide snappy acceleration. The Hyundai is the hot rod of the two, getting to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and running the quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds at 104 mph. The meanwhile, got to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and ran the quarter-mile in 14.2 seconds at 97 mph. view exterior photos Greg Pajo | Car and Driver Despite being more powerful, the Ioniq 9 also holds the edge in terms of range. The EPA rates the Ioniq 9 at 311 miles and the at 231 miles. The Buzz delivered just 190 miles of range on our real-world 75-mph highway test, and while we haven't yet tested the Ioniq 9's highway range, we expect it to easily beat the Volkswagen's. Driving Experience The Ioniq 9 provides a cushier ride. This vehicle is supremely smooth and floats over bumps, while the Volkswagen rides firmly and transmits a bit more road texture into the cabin. Both are quiet and comfortable on the highway, with the VW letting in a bit of extra wind noise because of its blunt front end. view interior Photos Greg Pajo | Car and Driver view interior Photos Greg Pajo | Car and Driver Though neither of these family-mobiles is intended to be sporty, they don't completely keel over when you take them on a twisty road. As you'd expect from such a tall, upright vehicle, the exhibits plenty of body roll and managed only 0.80 g on the skidpad compared with the Ioniq 9's 0.88 g. One editor commented that "the Buzz is best when you drive it like an old Microbus." The Hyundai is more planted and doesn't feel like as much of, well, a bus. But we like the VW's steering better, as it's a bit more communicative and better weighted compared with the Hyundai's numb, light-effort helm. Volkswagen 4Motion Pro S Plus HIGHS: Charming personality, tons of passenger space, pleasant driving experience. LOWS: Annoying screens and controls, lack of cargo configurability, unimpressive range. VERDICT: The is the emotional play, with tons of charisma, but its feature content and range performance don't measure up. While driving the Ioniq 9 feels much like driving a Hyundai Palisade, only quicker and quieter, the has an entirely distinctive feel unlike any other modern vehicle. The high seating position and the view out the expansive front windows will be delightful to some and off-putting for others, but we count ourselves in the former camp. It's altogether nostalgic and charming and will put a smile on your face. view interior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver view interior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver And the Winner Is . . . The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is the logical choice between the two, and it takes the win thanks to its superior performance, intuitive user interface, and overall competence. Yes, the Hyundai costs more, but it has far more features than the Volkswagen and delivers more driving range and faster charging. It's the vehicle we'd want to live with every day. The on the other hand, is the irrational choice, as it tugs on our heartstrings but just isn't quite well equipped enough, versatile enough, or technologically advanced enough to keep up with its newer three-row competitor. Michael Simari | Car and Driver Want to see these vehicles' specs side-by-side? Check out the Hyundai Ioniq 9 & Volkswagen on our new compare tool. Compare Cars Specifications 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance Calligraphy Design Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $79,090/$79,570 Options: carpeted floor mats, $245; CCS to NACS charging adapter, $235 POWERTRAIN Front Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 211 hp Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 215 hp Combined Power: 422 hp Combined Torque: 516 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 110 kWh Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 350 kW Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 14.2-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc Tires: Hankook Ion Evo AS SUV 285/45R-21 113V M+S Sound Absorber DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 123.2 in Length: 199.2 in Width: 78.0 in Height: 70.5 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 58/61/37 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 87/47/22 ft3 Curb Weight: 6034 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 4.4 sec 100 mph: 12.0 sec 1/4-Mile: 13.1 sec @ 104 mph Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.3 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 129 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 173 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.88 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING Observed: 62 MPGe EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 85/91/79 MPGe Range: 311 miles 2025 Volkswagen Pro S Plus 4Motion Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door van PRICE Base/As Tested: $69,545/$72,035 Options: panoramic glass roof, $1495; two-tone paint, $995 POWERTRAIN Front Motor: induction AC, 107 hp, 99 lb-ft Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 282 hp, 413 lb-ft Combined Power: 335 hp Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 86 kWh Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 200 kW Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink Brakes, F/R: 15.0-in vented disc/13.0-in drum Tires: Continental ProContact TX10 F: HL235/50R-20 107T M+S + R: HL265/45R-20 111T M+S + DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 131.1 in Length: 195.4 in Width: 78.1 in Height: 76.2 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 54/60/49 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 146/76/19 ft3 Curb Weight: 6174 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 5.5 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.2 sec @ 97 mph 100 mph: 16.3 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.4 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.2 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.3 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 101 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 174 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.80 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING Observed: 78 MPGe 75-mph Highway Range: 190 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 80/87/74 MPGe Range: 231 mi C/D TESTING EXPLAINED Reviewed by Joey Capparella Deputy Editor, Rankings Content Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City. Read full bio
Auto Blog
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Tesla's Model Y Faces New Heat from Xiaomi's YU7
The World's Best-Selling SUV Gains a New Rival The Tesla Model Y has become the benchmark for electric SUVs, not just in the U.S., but especially in China – the world's largest EV market. In fact, the Model Y was one of the world's best-selling nameplates in 2024, surpassing even the sales of those powered by internal combustion engines. Of course, those at the top will sooner or later face rivals, and one of the newest challengers comes from an unexpected yet increasingly popular player: the Chinese tech giant Xiaomi. 0:07 / 0:09 Another Chinese automaker is taking the fight to Tesla Watch More Best known for its smartphones, Xiaomi is quickly carving out space in the EV market. After making a strong debut with its SU7 sedan, which has outsold the Tesla Model 3 in China and even outgunned the Rimac Nevera at the Nürburgring, Xiaomi is now targeting SUV buyers with its newly launched YU7. Unsurprisingly, it's off to a great start. Source: Xiaomi Beating the Tesla Model Y on Paper The YU7 is Xiaomi's first electric SUV, and, on paper, it's a bold and calculated strike at the Model Y. Slightly larger in size, the YU7 offers more presence on the road with a longer wheelbase and wider stance. Like the SU7 sedan, three variants are available – Standard, Pro, and Max – with both single- and dual-motor configurations. Acceleration is impressive across the board, with the top-spec Max hitting 0 to 62 mph in just 3.23 seconds, compared to 4.3 seconds for the Tesla Model Y Long Range. Battery capacity is another advantage: up to 101.7 kWh in the YU7 Max, claiming a range of up to 519 miles, substantially higher than the Model Y's 447 miles of maximum range in China. The YU7 also operates on a more modern 800-volt electrical architecture versus Tesla's 400-volt setup, which promises faster charging and better thermal efficiency. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Over 200,000 Reservations in Minutes Naturally, no battle in the tightly contested EV market is complete without a price war. The YU7 undercuts the Model Y right out of the gate: its base model starts at RMB 253,500 (around $35,360), about RMB 10,000 (roughly $1,400) cheaper than the base Model Y. Even the top-tier Max variant is more affordable than the fully loaded Tesla. Xiaomi also threw in limited-time benefits worth up to RMB 66,000 (approximately $9,200) for early buyers. That tactic worked as over 200,000 reservations were logged within just three minutes of the order books opening. Deliveries are expected within 1-5 weeks for early adopters, and Xiaomi even allows existing SU7 order holders to switch to the YU7 until June 29. With Tesla having issues selling its EVs this year in Europe and elsewhere, it's safe to say that Xiaomi is off to a great start. Source: Xiaomi About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Xiaomi launches YU7, undercutting Tesla's Model Y on price
By Qiaoyi Li, Che Pan and Brenda Goh BEIJING (Reuters) -Chinese EV and smartphone maker Xiaomi on Thursday priced its new electric YU7 SUV from 253,500 yuan ($35,364), almost 4% below Tesla's Model Y, stepping up the challenge to the U.S. firm in the world's largest auto market. The YU7's base model costs 10,000 yuan less than the starting price of Tesla's Model Y in China, with the more premium models YU7 Pro and YU7 Max priced at 279,900 and 329,900 yuan respectively. Xiaomi started taking orders for all three models on Thursday night, with orders hitting 200,000 in 3 minutes after the sale started at 10 p.m. (1400 GMT) The Model Y, which was China's best-selling SUV in May, starts at 263,500 yuan in China. Xiaomi said it will partner with BYD, GAC Toyota and Zhengzhou Nissan to build an ecosystem connecting humans, homes and cars. Xiaomi's CEO and founder Lei Jun has said he wants the YU7 to challenge the Model Y and analysts say it has the potential to succeed. Other rivals include Zeekr's 7X and Li Auto's L6. "The YU7 will serve as an early test of whether Xiaomi can broaden its appeal beyond early adopters and tech enthusiasts to become a serious player in the mass-market EV segment," said Rosalie Chen, senior analyst at Third Bridge. The YU7 has a driving range of up to 835 km (519 miles) per charge, compared with up to 719 km for the redesigned Model Y that was launched in January. The YU7 is Xiaomi's second car since the Beijing-based firm entered the auto sector last year with its sporty electric SU7 sedan, which drew styling cues from Porsche and was priced below Tesla's Model 3. Since December, the SU7 has outsold Tesla's Model 3 in China on a monthly basis. The SU7's success expedites the company's EV bid despite intense competition in China's auto market. In March, Xiaomi raised its target for EV deliveries this year to 350,000 from earlier guidance of 300,000. The company has secured a plot of land in Beijing close to its existing car factory for 635 million yuan ($88 million), which it plans to use for a smart connected car and components project. Lei said in June that he expected Xiaomi's auto business to become profitable in the second half of the year. ($1 = 7.1684 Chinese yuan renminbi)
