Xiaomi will add EREVs to its lineup for the first time in 2026

01 January 2026

After the success of its first sedan and SUV, Xiaomi has big plans for the year 2026. Reports from China show that Xiaomi will release four new models to keep its momentum going. The lineup includes two different SUVs and two new versions of its popular SU7 sedan. And it turns out that these new models will address the biggest problem people have with EVs: the fear of running out of battery power on long trips.

The company is putting a lot of focus on Extended Range Electric Vehicle technology. These are still electric cars, but they carry a small gas engine that acts like a generator. This engine does not turn the wheels directly, but instead, it creates electricity to keep the battery full while you drive. It seems the tech giants realized that some drivers still want the safety net of a gas tank. Xiaomi has been hiring dozens of experts for this specific technology since 2023. They want to make sure their "large-battery hybrids" can compete with the biggest names in China.

The biggest star of the 2026 launch is a large, 7-seater SUV. This vehicle currently goes by the code name "Kunlun." It is a massive car built for big families who need a lot of space, and it will likely arrive in the first half of 2026. Recently, Xiaomi boss Lei Jun took a team to Xinjiang for high-heat testing. The camouflaged SUV spotted during this trip had an exhaust pipe, confirming that Xiaomi is serious about using gas engines to help their electric cars go further.

The Kunlun SUV will be a direct rival to cars like the Li Auto L9. It will use a large battery with a capacity of more than 70 kWh. This battery alone should allow the car to travel between 249 miles and 311 miles without using any gas. When you add the range-extender engine, the total distance it can travel will be even higher, making this SUV a great choice for family road trips where charging stations might be hard to find.

Xiaomi is also thinking about people who prefer smaller cars. In the second half of 2026, the company plans to launch a 5-seater EREV SUV. This smaller SUV will likely appeal to younger buyers or smaller families who want the same "no-stress" driving experience as the Kunlun but in a more compact package. By offering three different sizes together with the existing YU7, Xiaomi will cover most of the SUV market.

The SU7 sedan is also getting some love in 2026. Xiaomi plans to release a refreshed version of the standard SU7 early in the year, followed by a very special "Executive" version in the second half of 2026. This version is designed for people who have a driver and prefer to sit in the back. Engineers stretched the wheelbase to create more legroom, and the rear cabin will feature many changes focused on comfort.

The year 2025 is expected to be a massive year for hybrids with big batteries, and Xiaomi wants to be ready for the follow-up in 2026. Other brands like XPeng are also planning to launch similar vehicles. Xiaomi is currently listing over 20 job openings just for hybrid technology. This shows they are shifting their entire strategy to include more than just pure electric cars.

Prices for these new models are not official yet, but the competition is already getting nervous. Xiaomi proved with its first cars that it can build high-quality vehicles that people actually want to buy. By adding more SUVs and range-extenders to the mix, the company is making it very hard for other car makers to stay ahead. The transition from phones to four wheels seems to be going exactly as planned for the Chinese tech giant.

Via