Xiaomi CEO shares 4,000-meter high-altitude team photos as YU9 prototypes spotted nearby
Several photos and videos circulating online suggest that Xiaomi’s third model, temporarily referred to as the Xiaomi YU9, is undergoing road tests in Xinjiang, China. The speculation intensified after Xiaomi founder, chairman, and CEO Lei Jun posted on social media, confirming that he had arrived in Tashkurgan, Xinjiang, for high-altitude vehicle testing.
Social media activity indicates that several Xiaomi executives, including senior automotive advisor Hu Zhengnan, vice president Zhang Jianhui, and automotive product department general manager Yu Kai, are also currently in Xinjiang. This suggests that a large-scale test session is underway, similar to the company’s pre-launch road tests for the Xiaomi SU7 and YU7 models.
Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun shared several Weibo posts documenting the company’s ongoing high-altitude vehicle tests in Xinjiang, China. He wrote that the test team had reached Panlong Ancient Road, a 30 km mountain route with over 600 sharp turns at an elevation of more than 3,500 meters, which he described as a popular but challenging local landmark.
Lei Jun added that testing was taking place at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains on the Pamir Plateau, where the average altitude exceeds 4,000 meters. More than 20 Xiaomi engineers are involved in evaluating the YU7’s endurance, charging performance, and UV resistance in strong ultraviolet conditions. The team also visited Karakul Lake, located at around 3,600 meters, near Muztagh Ata, which rises to 7,500 meters.
The YU9 has appeared in several spy shots since late 2024, gradually revealing key details. It is widely believed that the vehicle will adopt a range-extended hybrid powertrain, as earlier images showed an exhaust system. Some reports claim it could feature an 80-kWh battery, offering over 400 km of electric-only range. The overall driving range has not been disclosed.
In terms of dimensions, the YU9 is expected to measure over 5.2 meters in length and around 1.8 meters in height, positioning it within the D-segment SUV category. The vehicle’s interior remains mostly undisclosed, but leaked photos suggest it may not use a dual-screen dashboard design seen in some other Xiaomi models.
The YU9 is also expected to feature LiDAR, consistent with Xiaomi’s previous approach to advanced driver-assistance systems. Some prototypes have been spotted both with and without LiDAR units, indicating that multiple configurations may be under testing.
According to a Deutsche Bank report, Xiaomi Auto plans to release a large D-segment hybrid SUV in 2026, which aligns with the YU9’s presumed specifications.
With Xiaomi SU7 and YU7 deliveries surpassing 40,000 units in September, the company’s test activities in Xinjiang suggest that development of its third model has reached an advanced stage. However, Xiaomi has not yet confirmed the YU9’s specifications, name, or launch timeline.
