Xiaomi (小米) exec: the car being tested on public roads is not the YU9 — a new model will arrive this year

What Lu Weibing said

It has been reported that Xiaomi (小米) Group President and partner Lu Weibing denied market rumors on the company’s earnings call tonight, saying the test car currently being driven on public roads is not the YU9. He told investors the new model "will definitely be launched within the year," and promised "a lot of innovation" that should make the car highly competitive. The comments were aimed at quieting online speculation after spy photos and chatter about Xiaomi’s next electric vehicle circulated.

Recent products and sales momentum

Lu also highlighted Xiaomi’s recent vehicle rollouts, noting the company just launched two new variants — the YU7 GT and the YU7 standard edition — which he said broaden the YU7 family. According to the company’s financial filing cited by iThome, Xiaomi’s SU7 led domestic pure-electric sedan sales above ¥200,000 from January to April, while the YU7 ranked second in domestic SUV sales over the same period. More than half of buyers reportedly chose the top-spec YU7 GT, Lu added, signaling strong market acceptance.

Why this matters

Xiaomi’s push into electric vehicles is closely watched outside China as well. The company is moving from smartphones and consumer electronics into a capital-intensive, regulated auto sector. Can a tech-first approach scale fast enough to meet consumer expectations and dealer networks? Geopolitics complicates the picture: U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductors and tighter scrutiny of China’s supply chains have raised costs and sourcing risks for EV makers, making timely product launches more consequential.

What to watch next

Investors and competitors will watch for official specs, pricing and a launch timeline for the unnamed model Lu promises. It has been reported that prototype sightings will continue to attract attention — and scrutiny — from regulators and media alike. If Xiaomi can convert its brand momentum into repeatable vehicle sales, the year could be an important inflection point for its auto ambitions.