Xiaomi unveils its new Skynomad N90 SUV for the Chinese market

Xiaomi is preparing to expand its vehicle lineup with the SkyNomad series, which currently consists of two large SUVs with range extenders. It is the seven-seat N90 Max, available in the Chinese market from 299,900 yuan – about 39,200 euros at the current exchange rate – and the five-seat N70 Max, on sale from 259,900 yuan – around 34,000 euros at the current exchange rate.

These prices correspond to the top-of-the-range “Max” versions; the more affordable entry-level versions and the Pro variants will arrive in September.

Targeting the leaders of the Chinese market

Xiaomi’s strategy with these two SUVs is quite clear. The N90 Max is priced slightly below the six-seat TeslaModel Y L, which costs 339,900 yuan in that market; meanwhile, the N70 Max competes closely with the new Li Auto Li L6, available from 249,800 yuan. Both models are based on the Kunlun platform, developed by Xiaomi over the last three and a half years.

In both SkyNomad series SUVs, propulsion is always electric. A combustion engine acts solely as a generator when the battery runs out, without transmitting power to the wheels. Xiaomi has opted for generous batteries to mitigate the usual limitations of these systems. The N70 Max offers options of 52 kWh (LFP) or 76 kWh (NCM), with up to 505 km of electric range on the CLTC cycle. The N90 Max, 5.28 metres long, achieves 464 km electric and up to 1,705 km combined with a full tank. Both mount two motors and all-wheel drive with a total output of 310 kW. The N90 Max accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and, with the battery depleted, consumes 6.26 l/100 km according to WLTC.

Exactly what many Chinese customers are looking for

The N90 Max is a full-size SUV (5.28 × 1.99 × 1.82 m) with a 3.08 m wheelbase and a drag coefficient of 0.255 thanks to more than 140 optimisation measures. Its angular design prioritises interior space. The suspension combines front double wishbones, a rear multi-link setup and five levels of air suspension. The cabin, in a 2+2+3 configuration, offers up to 1.55 m of legroom in the second row; four seats support zero-gravity positioning and the front seats swivel electrically. Folding down the rear rows creates a 2.30 m sleeping surface. The boot reaches 1,831 litres, and there are 34 storage compartments, a nine-litre refrigerator and 25 speakers.

In terms of safety, its structure stands out, with 90.4% high-strength steel and aluminium, 12 airbags and a wading capacity of 750 mm. The onboard electronics combine a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor with the Nvidia Drive Thor platform (700 TOPS) and front and rear LiDAR sensors.

The more affordable alternative

The N70 Max, on the other hand, is 32 cm shorter (4.96 m) and 40,000 yuan cheaper. It offers five seats and a higher electric range, reaching 505 km CLTC with the 76 kWh battery. It shares the 310 kW output and fuel consumption between 5.7 and 6.28 l/100 km. It inherits the flat floor, long seat rails and the driver-assistance system, although it dispenses with the rear LiDAR and the third row.

The market response to the presentation of both SUVs has been resounding. In the week following the launch, between 200 and 300 deposits per sales point were recorded in several cities, which, extrapolated to the 499 dealerships, points to more than 100,000 reservations. According to the latest reports, the seven-seat N90 Max accounts for most of the demand.