Xiaomi enters extended-range EV fray with two new SUVs

Chinese tech company Xiaomi unveiled its "Kunlun Technology Architecture" on Thursday night, marking a strategic push into the extended-range electric vehicle segment as it seeks to broaden its EV portfolio beyond pure battery-electric models.

The Kunlun architecture encompasses a dedicated platform, a super extended-range system, and a comprehensive safety framework, targeting spacious cabins, ultra-long range, and all-domain safety.

The company simultaneously unveiled two SUVs under the SkyNomad sub-brand – the seven-seat N90 and five-seat N70, with official launches set for September.

The N70 directly competes with Li Auto's L6, a segment leader.

Lei Jun, founder, chairman and CEO of Xiaomi, said it took three and a half years to develop the Kunlun architecture, with the goal of creating a vehicle that not only boasts the appearance, driving dynamics, and off-road capability of an SUV, but also offers the spacious interior and layout flexibility of a recreational vehicle.

Industry data from the China Passenger Car Association showed that extended-range EV wholesale volume fell 13.1 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2026, with retail sales down 19.4 percent – the only new-energy segment in decline.

Analysts suggest competition is shifting from powertrain specs to overall product strength, with space, real-world range, and safety becoming key buying criteria.

Addressing skepticism about the company's late entry into the segment, Lei said on social media: "EREV and BEV have no absolute superiority — only experience differences. The EREV market is far from saturated."