It's not Tesla. It's not Mercedes-Benz. It's not Porsche. The latest major performance breakthrough for electric vehicles comes from a player that just a few years ago wasn't even making cars: Xiaomi.

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What began as a mobile technology company has become a serious threat to the most established names in the automotive sector.

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And the Xiaomi YU7, the electric SUV with which the brand wants to conquer the global market, has just shattered a record previously held by Mercedes.

During an internal testing session, the YU7 managed to travel no less than 3,944 kilometers in 24 hours, a mark never before achieved by any electric vehicle.

The feat is even more impressive considering that it was performed under real track conditions, including the necessary recharging, without cheating or technological shortcuts.

A debutant that already humiliates veterans

Few models have generated as much expectation as the Xiaomi YU7. With an official range of up to 835 km, a design that combines cutting-edge technology and advanced aerodynamics, and an aggressive marketing strategy, the SUV has become a phenomenon even before rolling massively on the streets.

Just 72 hours after its presentation, Xiaomi had already sold out of the entire production planned for the first year. And the impact has gone beyond the general public.

Even, according to Chinese media, the CEO of a rival brand had bought one for personal use. Clear signs that the YU7 is not a passing fad, but a serious statement of intent.

The record: impressive figures

The event that established the YU7 as the new leader in electric efficiency took place on a closed track. Over the course of 24 hours, the vehicle traveled 3,944 kilometers, stopping only to recharge.

These were the key points:

Direct comparison with the Mercedes CLA

In 2024, the electric Mercedes CLA achieved a remarkable mark by traveling 3,717 kilometers in 24 hours. It was a well-documented and celebrated record, achieved on the Italian Nardò circuit. However, with time and competition, the numbers take on another meaning.

And if at the end of 2024, the recently launched Mercedes CLA managed to record 3,717 kilometers to beat that record on the Italian Nardò circuit - in turn beating the record achieved by the Porsche Taycan -; now the Xiaomi YU7 has set the new mark at 3,944 kilometers.

The CLA required 40 charges, which increased its total standstill time. Its charging system allows you to go from 10 to 80% in 22 minutes, while the YU7 completes the same process in just 12 minutes.

The German electric car charges its battery from 10 to 80% in 22 minutes; which is up to 10 minutes more per charge than the Xiaomi YU7.

Furthermore, the Mercedes' recharges didn't always reach 80%, making its strategy less efficient. The CLA's average speed, considering stops, was 154.79 km/h, almost 10 km/h slower than the YU7.

Charging Technology: The Heart of the Breakthrough

Beyond top speed and engine power, charging technology is what has transformed this competition between electric vehicles.

The YU7 incorporates a high-energy-density battery system along with a charging network developed by Xiaomi that enables ultra-fast charging. This not only improves charging times but also reduces component fatigue and extends cell life.

Xiaomi claims its system can withstand repeated charges of 10 to 80% without significantly impacting long-term performance. This technological efficiency is what made it possible to break the record with fewer stops and in less overall time.

Beyond performance, the Xiaomi YU7 also surprises on the commercial side. With an estimated base price of $29,000, it sits below direct rivals like the electric Mercedes CLA, which costs over $50,000.

Xiaomi has stated that its goal is to make electric mobility truly accessible. And it's succeeding. While other brands are aiming for luxury or the premium niche, Xiaomi seems to be replicating its smartphone business model: maximum performance at an affordable price.