Xiaomi has officially entered the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) segment with the launch of its SkyNomad SUV series, led by the flagship N90 Max. The Chinese tech giant, known for smartphones and consumer electronics, is making a bold push into the automotive industry with a vehicle designed to solve range anxiety while offering a level of interior customization rarely seen in production SUVs.

Unveiling the SkyNomad Range

The SkyNomad series, first teased as the YU9 and later confirmed as the SkyNomad brand, includes the N70 and N90 crossovers. Pre-sales have begun in China at a starting price of approximately ¥278,000 ($38,410 USD), with deliveries expected to commence in September 2025. The lineup targets families and adventure enthusiasts, offering both five- and seven-seat configurations, with a Camping Edition adding pop-up roof, rooftop bed platform, and detachable table.

Record-Breaking Range Figures

Xiaomi claims the N90 Max achieves a combined range of over 1,705 kilometers (1,059 miles) thanks to its extended-range architecture. This system pairs a battery pack capable of 370 km (230 miles) of pure electric driving with a gasoline-powered range extender that recharges the battery on the go. The figure surpasses many competitors in the EREV segment, including Li Auto’s L9, and directly addresses consumer concerns about EV range limitations.

A Transforming Interior: The Living Room on Wheels

Perhaps the most striking feature of the SkyNomad N90 is its highly reconfigurable cabin. The front seats can rotate 180 degrees to face the rear, creating a social seating arrangement. The center armrest slides out to become a small table, while the second row offers zero-gravity seats with footrests for maximum comfort. In the Camping Edition, the pop-up roof provides standing headroom, and the rooftop bed platform allows overnight stays. Some variants include a built-in fridge and overhead storage. As The Verge noted, “The SkyNomad N90 Max is […] its first extended-range EV, with a claimed range of over 1,705 km.” Autoevolution highlighted the MPV-style interior layout, noting that “Xiaomi Brings MPV-Style Interior Configurations to Its First SkyNomad SUV.”

Spying the Pop-Top

Spy shots of the SkyNomad YU9 (now the N90) surfaced earlier this year, showing a pop-top roof similar to that of camper vans. XimiTime reported that the pop-top is part of the Camping Edition, which also includes a tent attachment point and detachable table. This positions the SkyNomad as a viable option for outdoor enthusiasts looking for an all-in-one adventure vehicle.

Maintenance and Ownership Experience

In a bid to lower the total cost of ownership, Xiaomi has partnered with Li Auto to standardize extended-range EV maintenance intervals. CarNewsChina reported that oil change intervals for the range extender have been stretched to three years or 30,000 kilometers (18,641 miles), narrowing the gap between EVs and conventional cars in terms of service frequency. This move is expected to make the SkyNomad more appealing to cost-conscious buyers.

Market Positioning and Competition

The SkyNomad series enters a crowded Chinese EREV market dominated by Li Auto, AITO, and Leapmotor. Xiaomi differentiates itself through its technology ecosystem, smartphone integration, and the interior flexibility that feels more like a luxury MPV than a traditional SUV. As TechRadar put it, “Xiaomi’s answer to range anxiety is one seriously big SUV,” while CarNewsChina noted that the N90 and N70 start at just $38,410. The brand’s existing fanbase from its smartphone business could drive initial demand, with reports of the earlier YU7 (a sedan) receiving over 315,900 orders in 72 hours.

Safety and Space Details Leaked

Xiaomi’s Pengcheng official Weibo account has teased safety and space features of the N90 Max, hinting at advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and a focus on occupant protection. While full specifications are yet to be released, the teasers suggest that the N90 Max will be equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors and cameras to support Level 2+ autonomous driving.

Industry Context: Xiaomi’s Automotive Ambitions

Xiaomi’s foray into the auto industry comes after a massive investment of $10 billion over ten years. The company launched its first EV, the SU7 sedan, in early 2024, which quickly gained traction. The SkyNomad SUV represents a strategic expansion into the high-volume SUV segment, especially in China where family vehicles are in high demand. Reuters confirmed that Xiaomi filed for an extended-range EV earlier this year, signaling a dual-track approach of pure electric and EREV powertrains.

What Analysts Are Saying

Market analysts view the SkyNomad as a potential game-changer for Xiaomi’s automotive division. The combination of an affordable starting price, class-leading range, and innovative interior could carve out a niche among tech-savvy families. However, some caution that the brand’s limited experience in manufacturing and servicing vehicles could pose challenges. Nonetheless, Xiaomi’s stock has surged 30% in the past month on the back of positive EV news and a chip IPO windfall, as reported by ad-hoc-news.de.

Looking Ahead

With pre-sales now open and a September launch window, Xiaomi is poised to challenge established players in the EREV space. The SkyNomad N90 Max is not just a car; it’s a statement of intent from a company that wants to be a major force in the automotive industry. Whether it can convert its smartphone fans into car buyers remains to be seen, but based on early enthusiasm, the SkyNomad series is already turning heads.