Imagine launching a new electric SUV and accidentally boosting Ferrari’s popularity in the process. That’s exactly what happened when Xiaomi unveiled its sleek YU7 in China, sparking a wave of chatter, memes, and design debates across social media. With its bold emerald green hue and sporty lines, the YU7 has drawn comparisons to Ferrari’s Purosangue SUV, earning it the playful nickname “Ferrari Mi.” Here’s how Xiaomi’s latest EV is stealing the spotlight—and giving Ferrari a surprising boost.
A Design That Turns Heads
Xiaomi’s YU7, a high-performance electric crossover, debuted on May 22, 2025, and it’s not just another SUV. Its striking “Emerald Green” color, inspired by the vibrant sheen of Colombian emeralds, shimmers under different lighting, blending industrial chic with natural elegance. The YU7’s long hood, sharp curves, and five-spoke wheels give it a premium, athletic vibe that’s hard to ignore.
But the internet couldn’t help noticing its resemblance to Ferrari’s Purosangue, especially after Ferrari China posted about its own Verde Dora green Purosangue on Weibo. The timing? Impeccable. Netizens jokingly thanked Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun for “bringing Ferrari to the masses,” turning the YU7’s debut into a viral moment. The buzz even propelled Ferrari’s Purosangue to trend online, ranking just behind the YU7 and a few other EVs in popularity.
A Debate Over Originality
The YU7’s design didn’t just spark admiration—it reignited a conversation about originality in China’s EV industry. Ai Tiecheng, former head of Nio’s Onvo brand, posted on Weibo about the importance of “supporting originality,” leading many to speculate he was taking a jab at Xiaomi. While Ai later clarified his comment wasn’t aimed at the auto sector, his past praise for Nio’s unique designs and criticism of imitation kept the debate alive.
Adding fuel to the fire, some pointed out that Ferrari’s Purosangue itself shares design cues with older models like the Mazda CX-4. Even Toyota’s Crown Sport has been dubbed the “Japanese Ferrari” for similar reasons. It seems no one’s immune to the design comparison game in today’s hyper-competitive auto world.
Inside the YU7: Tech Meets Style
Beyond its head-turning exterior, the YU7’s interior is a tech lover’s dream. A standout feature is the HyperVision panoramic head-up display (HUD), which projects critical info across the windshield, creating a futuristic driving experience. Unlike traditional screens, this HUD keeps drivers focused on the road while delivering navigation, speed, and more in a sleek, seamless way. The cabin also boasts a minimalist center console, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and dual wireless charging pads, blending luxury with practicality.
Performance-wise, the YU7 is no slouch. It offers two power options: a single-motor rear-wheel-drive model with 315 horsepower or a dual-motor all-wheel-drive beast pumping out 681 horsepower, capable of hitting 253 km/h. With battery packs of 96.3 kWh or 101.7 kWh, it boasts a range of up to 820 km (CLTC). Priced competitively—starting around 260,000 yuan ($36,100)—the YU7 is poised to challenge rivals like the Tesla Model Y.
Learning from the SU7’s Success
Xiaomi’s no stranger to the EV spotlight. Its first electric vehicle, the SU7 sedan, became a runaway hit, selling over 258,000 units since its 2024 launch, outpacing competitors like the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Han. Despite its success, the SU7 faced similar design critiques, with some calling it the “Porsche Mi” for its Taycan-like looks. The YU7 seems to embrace this playful branding, leaning into the “Ferrari Mi” buzz to fuel excitement.
However, not everything’s been smooth. Xiaomi faced scrutiny after a tragic accident overshadowed the SU7’s launch, and recent criticism over quality issues and high insurance costs for the SU7 Ultra has kept the company on its toes. With the YU7, Lei Jun is betting big on a positive reception, leveraging Xiaomi’s knack for “hunger marketing” to keep demand sky-high.
A Win-Win for Xiaomi and Ferrari?
The YU7’s debut has done more than just showcase Xiaomi’s ambition—it’s given Ferrari a free publicity boost in China. As memes and comparisons flood Weibo, both brands are riding the wave of attention. Whether the “Ferrari Mi” label helps or hurts the YU7’s sales remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: Xiaomi’s bold designs are sparking conversations and turning heads, proving that in the world of EVs, imitation might just be the sincerest form of flattery.
What do you think—does the YU7’s design cross the line, or is it a clever nod to luxury icons like Ferrari? Let us know in the comments!