Xiaomi, which has extended its strength in the consumer electronics sector to the automotive market, has achieved a competitive position with its first models, the SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV. The company’s close study of competitors like Tesla forms the basis of its strategies in its electric car expansion.

Lei Jun Appreciates the Tesla Model Y

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun openly acknowledged this at an event at the Beijing National Convention Center. Jun explained that Xiaomi management purchased three Tesla Model Ys at the beginning of the year, and that these vehicles were disassembled piece by piece, inspecting each component in detail.

It is believed that a similar study was conducted on the Tesla Model 3 during the development of the SU7 model. This method of purchasing and completely disassembling competing models is a long-standing benchmarking method used in the automotive industry.

In his presentation, Lei Jun praised the Tesla Model Y and shared comparative images of Tesla and Xiaomi’s new YU7. Jun even offered a striking suggestion to the attendees: “If you don’t choose the YU7, you might consider the Model Y. The Model Y is a very, very successful car.”

Xiaomi’s biggest problem right now is its inability to meet the overwhelming demand. The YU7 received approximately 240,000 orders just 18 hours after its launch. This has led to wait times exceeding a year for deliveries.

Therefore, CEO Lei Jun took to social media to advise customers to consider alternative brands instead of waiting in line. Among the brands he recommended were the Xpeng G7, Li Auto i8, and the Tesla Model Y.