At first glance, the rendered images of the McLaren P47 look like a twin of the Xiaomi YU7. From the side profile to the sleek roofline, hidden door handles and even the rear tail lights, the similarities are uncanny. These images, however, are not official McLaren photos but third-party renderings created by Motor1, which many Chinese netizens did not realise.
As a result, the resemblance between the two SUVs quickly became a meme, and that reaction has become a story of its own. It’s worth noting that a more accurate comparison might be between the McLaren P47 and Xiaomi’s upcoming YU7 GT, which is expected to have higher performance and sportier specs. However, since Xiaomi has not yet released full details of the YU7 GT, we’ll go ahead with this comparison using the standard YU7.
Chinese netizens react
The resemblance has already sparked significant online chatter in China, where the Xiaomi YU7 is very popular. Because many commenters assumed the P47 renderings were official McLaren images, the discussion took on a life of its own. Some joked that the two SUVs now “share the same face,” while others quipped that someone should “report this for design infringement.” A few even teased that McLaren, a brand commonly praised for its strong, distinct design identity, now appears to be “copying Ferrari too,” adding to the humour of the situation.
This misunderstanding explains why the lookalike debate spread so widely: the renderings appear to use proportions and surfaces similar to the YU7, which naturally led Chinese netizens to assume a direct resemblance rather than recognising them as speculative artwork.
Meet the McLaren P47
McLaren is stepping into new territory with its first-ever SUV. The P47 is a four-door, five-seat hybrid SUV designed to carry the brand’s supercar DNA, with a low, wide stance, aerodynamic curves and split-flush headlights. From the side profile to the sleek roofline, it even resembles the Xiaomi YU7, and the rear tail lights don’t help the case.
Note that the P47 images are Motor1 renderings and may not reflect the final production design. Motor1 explains that while McLaren has not publicly tested an SUV, the automaker recently showed a clay model to its global dealers. Attendees described it as “sculpted and muscular,” larger than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, featuring 24-inch wheels, deep scallops along the doors and a sleek greenhouse. However, the final production version may differ, possibly significantly.
Meet the Xiaomi YU7
The YU7 is a fully electric SUV built on Xiaomi’s Modena platform. It measures 4,999 mm long, 1,996 mm wide and 1,608 mm high, with a 3,000 mm wheelbase. Available in Standard, Pro and Max trims, its power ranges from 235 kW (315 hp) to 508 kW (≈681 hp). Battery capacity ranges from 96.3 to 101.7 kWh, enabling a CLTC-rated range of 760–835 km.
The cabin is tech-heavy, featuring a panoramic HyperVision display, adaptive seats and advanced ADAS hardware with LiDAR, radar and cameras. It also supports 800V fast charging for practical daily or long-distance use.
Pricing (in USD) for the YU7 trims is as follows:
- Standard: ≈ 35,000 USD
- Pro: ≈ 39,000 USD
- Max: ≈ 46,000 USD
Powertrain
| Model | Drivetrain | Performance / Range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| McLaren P47 | Hybrid V8 + hybrid assist | Supercar-like SUV performance; 0–100 km/h & range TBD | Performance-focused SUV for enthusiasts |
| Xiaomi YU7 | 100% electric, 235–508 kW | 0–100 km/h: 5.9 s (Standard) to 3.2 s (Max); CLTC 760–835 km | Practical, tech-forward EV SUV for daily use |
While the P47 emphasises driving dynamics and exotic performance, the YU7 leans into range, convenience, and high-tech features.
Design
The P47 renderings show aggressive, aerodynamic styling with a low roofline, flowing surfaces and a sporty stance, all of which mirror the YU7’s clean, streamlined look. Even the slim, horizontal rear tail lights appear similar at a glance. The YU7 itself blends aerodynamic SUV proportions with futuristic EV styling, hidden door handles, a panoramic interior display and advanced ADAS. Essentially, the P47 is a supercar in SUV form, while the YU7 is a high-tech electric SUV that shares a few styling cues.
Editor’s comments
Despite the uncanny visual parallels, including the side profile, roofline and tail lights, the P47 and YU7 are fundamentally different machines. McLaren’s P47, based on speculative renderings, is expected to deliver hybrid supercar performance in a four-door SUV priced in the low 300,000 USD range, with an estimated 2028 release. Xiaomi’s offering is a fully electric, tech-centric SUV designed for everyday use, starting at about 35,000 USD.
Seen side by side, it’s easy to understand why the renderings went viral in China, especially among netizens who did not realise they weren’t official McLaren images. Even if the final McLaren design changes substantially, the resemblance was enough to spark online confusion and humour: is this a multi-hundred-thousand-dollar hybrid SUV, or a high-tech Chinese EV with a familiar silhouette?
Updated:12/12/2025 18:45 China Time
