- The new SUV will look radically different than the brand’s other models.
- It’s unclear if the company will develop the powertrain in-house.
- Range-extender EVs are proving popular for those seeking maximum driving range.
Xiaomi isn’t willing to rest on its laurels and bask in the success of the SU7 sports sedan. In addition to developing an SUV version of the SU7, Xiaomi’s automotive arm has also started testing its third model, codenamed the N3.
This new model will take the form of a large SUV designed to rival the Li Auto L9. Like the L9, and unlike the SU7, the brand’s second SUV will be an extended-range electric vehicle. Technical specifications about this powertrain aren’t known, but a leaked document concerning Xiaomi’s future product plans has confirmed the N3 will come standard with rear-wheel steering.
Read: Xiaomi’s Electric SUV Shows Off Interior In Latest Spy Shots
As Xiaomi is eager to bring new models to the market as quickly as possible, it may decide to source a small-capacity internal combustion engine from another automaker for the EREV, as opposed to developing one itself. CarNewsChina notes it may also need to use new electric motors, as the ‘V6’ and ‘V8’ motors found in the SU7 have been designed for an 800-volt electrical architecture, whereas most EREVs use 400-volt systems.
A heavily-disguised prototype of the N3 was recently snapped by Chinese media during testing. Despite being clad in thick cladding and camouflage, it’s obvious the shape of the N3 shares very little in common with the SU7 and its upcoming SUV sibling. It is much boxier than the SU7 and has quite a conventional SUV shape, complete with a tall front fascia and a flat roof. The N3 appears more than large enough to support a third row of seats.
Xiaomi’s third model is expected to launch as early as 2026. Before that happens, the SU7-based SUV will hit the market. It should ride on the same Modena platform as the sedan and will likely be offered with similar powertrain configurations. This means the entry-level model will probably have a single electric motor with 295 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm), while an all-wheel drive version with 664 hp could also be on the cards.
