Xiaomi wants to expand its presence in the automotive industry with a different strategy than the one it used to launch its first electric vehicles. After the success achieved with the SU7 and the development of the YU7, the Chinese company is now betting on Skynomad, a new brand aimed at a more exclusive segment and focused on those looking for comfort, space and technology in the same vehicle.

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The proposal does not intend to compete directly with general manufacturers. The objective is to position itself against recognized brands in the premium segment that already offer, or are preparing, luxury electric SUVs. To do this, Xiaomi proposes a concept in which the cabin becomes as important as the performance of the vehicle.

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The company's vision was explained by Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi, who detailed the reasons that led to the birth of this new brand.

Lei Jun explains the purpose of Skynomad

"The Xiaomi SU7 and the Xiaomi YU7 are positioned as 'the driver's car'. Xiaomi SkyNomad is positioned as 'an intelligent, reconfigurable and large-space SUV'. Different product lines, two responses to different user needs, delivered after more than five years of automobile manufacturing."

The manager also explained what motivated this new bet: "Why Xiaomi SkyNomad? China's automobile industry has advanced rapidly in recent years. Six- and seven-seat designs and feature-rich interiors are now common. The market is not lacking in space or supply. But buyers' priorities are changing."

He later elaborated on that idea, noting that the car is no longer just a means of transportation: "What matters is not just whether the cabin is big or the seats are soft. It's whether you feel genuinely comfortable inside it. Think about how people actually use their cars. They commute for up to two hours a day. They rest in the driver's seat at lunch. They work from a parked car, they go out with the family on weekends, they go camping and they want the car to be a second home. To For them, a car is not just a vehicle. It is an extension of your living space in motion.”

Two versions with a very versatile interior

Skynomad was developed on the Kunlun platform, the same architecture used by Xiaomi for the SU7 and YU7. The new SUV will have a robust and square silhouette, with a design reminiscent of some luxury models currently available on the market.

The brand will offer two variants. The Skynomad N70 will measure 4.96 meters long and will have capacity for five occupants. The N90 will grow to 5.28 meters and can be configured with five or seven seats.

One of the most striking elements will be the possibility of rotating some seats up to 180 degrees, in addition to incorporating folding tables to convert the cabin into a mobile office or even a space to rest.

Extended autonomy and launch planned for this year

In the mechanical section, Skynomad will use an extended autonomy electrical system. The vehicle will have a battery close to 75 kWh, enough to travel just under 400 kilometers using only electric energy.

When the battery discharges, a 1.5 turbo gasoline engine comes into operation, whose function is not to move the wheels, but rather to generate electricity to power the system. According to Xiaomi, the combined autonomy could approach 1,500 kilometers under the Chinese homologation cycle.

The new SUV is still in the testing phase and is scheduled to be launched in China between September and October. Although the company has not yet confirmed the official price, estimates point to an initial value close to $35,000, a figure with which it will seek to open space in the competitive segment of electrified premium SUVs.