In a move to directly engage with the public and address mounting online discourse, Xiaomi's founder and CEO, Lei Jun, kicked off 2026 with a high-profile live stream event. The centerpiece was the real-time disassembly of a brand-new Xiaomi YU7 SUV by company engineers. The broadcast served as a platform for Lei Jun to confront specific criticisms head-on, clarify design philosophies, and share significant business milestones, marking a strategic shift towards more proactive communication from the tech giant's automotive division.
Key Event Details:
- Date: January 3, 2026
- Host: Lei Jun, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Xiaomi
- Event: Live streamed teardown of a new Xiaomi YU7 SUV.
- Primary Stated Reason: To proactively respond to accumulated online questions and criticisms about Xiaomi cars.
- Key Business Disclosure: Xiaomi Auto delivered 410,000 vehicles in the previous year.
A Proactive Response to Market Scrutiny
Lei Jun explicitly stated that the live teardown was a direct response to the plethora of questions and criticisms surrounding Xiaomi cars that have circulated online. He admitted that Xiaomi had previously been reticent in its responses, operating on the principle that a good product speaks for itself and that constant self-justification was unnecessary. However, feedback from the Mi fan community prompted a change in strategy. "Seeing many Mi fans suggest we should respond more actively and promptly, we decided to address these issues in batches," Lei Jun explained during the stream. The YU7, being a particularly popular and discussed model, was the first subject for this new, transparent approach. He expressed confidence in the vehicle's build quality and materials, inviting further scrutiny while urging commentators to be fair and avoid sensationalism for clicks.
Debunking the "Noodle Tire" Myth and Design Philosophy
One of the most pointed rebuttals during the event targeted the early criticism of the YU7's tires. Shortly after its launch, the tire width was mocked online, derisively labeled "noodle tires." During the disassembly, Lei Jun directly challenged this claim. "Everyone, look at how wide this 'noodle tire' is. Can we get a ruler to measure it? It's actually very wide," he asserted. He defended the design choice, stating, "The 25-series tire is a very balanced tire, frequently adopted in many vehicles in the same class." He further elaborated on the YU7's driving dynamics, clarifying that while it offers excellent handling, its tuning prioritizes comfort to cater to family use, which explains the perceived difference in driving feel compared to the sportier SU7 sedan.
Technical Clarifications from the Live Stream:
| Topic | Criticism/Claim | Xiaomi's Response & Clarification |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | Mocked as "noodle tires" for being too narrow. | Lei Jun asserted they are "very wide" and that the 25-series tire is a "balanced" choice common in the vehicle's class. |
| Driving Dynamics | Noted to feel different from the SU7 sedan. | Explained the YU7 is tuned for comfort to suit family use, while still offering strong handling. |
| Door Handle Safety | Concerns about egress in power failure scenarios. | VP Li Xiaoshuang detailed a triple-redundancy system: 1) Interior/Exterior mechanical cables, 2) Dedicated backup power for door locks (separate from main/aux batteries). |
Engineering Focus on Safety Redundancy
The technical deep-dive continued with insights from Li Xiaoshuang, Vice President of Xiaomi Automotive. He detailed the extensive safety redundancies built into the YU7's door handle system, a critical component for occupant egress in emergencies. Li revealed that the car features mechanical pull cables for both interior and exterior door releases. Furthermore, to prepare for extreme collision scenarios where both the main and auxiliary batteries might fail, Xiaomi engineers equipped the door locks with a dedicated, independent power source. "The safety redundancy in the YU7's door handle design is very advanced," Li concluded, highlighting the company's commitment to safety beyond regulatory requirements.
A Milestone Achievement in Deliveries
Amid the technical explanations and rebuttals, Lei Jun shared a significant business update that underscores Xiaomi Auto's rapid scaling. He disclosed that throughout the previous year, Xiaomi successfully delivered 410,000 vehicles to customers. This figure provides concrete evidence of the company's manufacturing capability and market acceptance, transitioning from a promising startup to a substantial volume player in the competitive electric vehicle landscape within a short timeframe.
Conclusion: Transparency as a New Tool
The live teardown event represents a notable evolution in Xiaomi's corporate communication for its automotive arm. By moving from a stance of "清者自清" (the clear will become clear of themselves) to one of open, detailed, and technical engagement, Lei Jun is attempting to steer the narrative through transparency. Whether addressing specific critiques like tire specs or showcasing hidden safety engineering, the message is clear: Xiaomi is confident in its product and is now willing to prove it on a public stage. The invitation for more creators to dissect their cars is an open challenge to the market, betting that objective inspection will validate their claims over online speculation.