Xiaomi YU7 Max spotted in California: not for US sale, likely Rivian benchmarking
Xiaomi YU7 Max seen in California, likely used by Rivian for benchmarking
Xiaomi YU7 Max spotted in California: not for US sale, likely Rivian benchmarking
Xiaomi CEO confirms no plans to sell EVs in the US. The YU7 Max spotted in California is likely for benchmarking by Rivian, focusing on software and electronics for the new R2 crossover.
2026-02-11T17:24:20+03:00
2026-02-11T17:24:20+03:00
2026-02-11T17:24:20+03:00
The sighting of a Xiaomi YU7 Max with manufacturer plates on California roads sparked widespread speculation, with many assuming the Chinese brand was preparing to enter the American market. However, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun quickly tempered expectations, stating on social media that the company has no plans to sell its electric vehicles in the US.According to the CEO, the spotted crossover almost certainly belongs to an American automaker that purchased it for benchmarking purposes. The sale of Chinese EVs in the US is effectively blocked by tariffs and political restrictions, ruling out any model launch.Initial suspicion fell on Ford, as its CEO Jim Farley previously imported a Xiaomi SU7 sedan and openly praised it. But the vehicle's Illinois license plates drew attention to another player: Rivian. The company is based in Illinois and has a development center in California, where the YU7 Max was spotted.For Rivian, such a move makes sense. The startup is preparing to launch its new R2 crossover, and Xiaomi's software solutions are widely regarded as some of the most advanced on the market. Despite differences in architecture and positioning, studying the YU7 could provide valuable insights specifically in the areas of software and electronics performance.The YU7 Max is the most powerful version of Xiaomi's crossover ahead of the upcoming GT variant. Built on an 800-volt architecture, it features a dual-motor setup producing 681 horsepower, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.23 seconds, and offers up to 760 km of range according to the CLTC standard.
Xiaomi YU7 Max, California, Rivian, benchmarking, electric vehicles, EVs, software, R2 crossover, Chinese EVs, US market, Lei Jun
2026
Michael Powers
news
Xiaomi YU7 Max seen in California, likely used by Rivian for benchmarking
Xiaomi CEO confirms no plans to sell EVs in the US. The YU7 Max spotted in California is likely for benchmarking by Rivian, focusing on software and electronics for the new R2 crossover.
Michael Powers, Editor
The sighting of a Xiaomi YU7 Max with manufacturer plates on California roads sparked widespread speculation, with many assuming the Chinese brand was preparing to enter the American market. However, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun quickly tempered expectations, stating on social media that the company has no plans to sell its electric vehicles in the US.
According to the CEO, the spotted crossover almost certainly belongs to an American automaker that purchased it for benchmarking purposes. The sale of Chinese EVs in the US is effectively blocked by tariffs and political restrictions, ruling out any model launch.
Initial suspicion fell on Ford, as its CEO Jim Farley previously imported a Xiaomi SU7 sedan and openly praised it. But the vehicle's Illinois license plates drew attention to another player: Rivian. The company is based in Illinois and has a development center in California, where the YU7 Max was spotted.
For Rivian, such a move makes sense. The startup is preparing to launch its new R2 crossover, and Xiaomi's software solutions are widely regarded as some of the most advanced on the market. Despite differences in architecture and positioning, studying the YU7 could provide valuable insights specifically in the areas of software and electronics performance.
The YU7 Max is the most powerful version of Xiaomi's crossover ahead of the upcoming GT variant. Built on an 800-volt architecture, it features a dual-motor setup producing 681 horsepower, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.23 seconds, and offers up to 760 km of range according to the CLTC standard.
