An Uncanny Resemblance
You’d be forgiven for doing a double take. On one screen, you have a render of McLaren’s upcoming P47 SUV. On the other, the all electric Xiaomi YU7. And they look suspiciously similar. From the flowing side profile and sleek roofline to the hidden door handles and slim rear taillights, the resemblance is uncanny. One is a hybrid supercar masquerading as an SUV, while the other is a tech-loaded EV from a Chinese electronics giant. While these renderings aren’t McLaren’s official final design, you still need a moment to tell them apart.
A fairer fight might be against Xiaomi’s upcoming YU7 GT, which promises a sportier setup. But since we don’t have the full picture on the GT yet, we’ll stick with the standard YU7 for this comparison.
Stirring Up the Conversation Online
It didn’t take long for the internet to notice. Over on Chinese social media, where the Xiaomi YU7 is a hot topic, the similarities sparked a wave of chatter. Many users, thinking the P47 images were official, joked that the two SUVs “share the same face.” Some even cried foul, suggesting design infringement. Others playfully teased McLaren, a brand fiercely proud of its identity, for “copying Ferrari too,” leaving them to wonder what Enzo would think. This buzz highlights the growing influence of Chinese automotive design on the global stage, where brands like BYD and its popular Seal series are setting new trends.
Meet the McLaren P47
McLaren is charting new territory with its first ever SUV. The P47 is a four door, five seat hybrid that aims to pack the brand’s supercar soul into a family friendly format. It boasts a low, wide stance, aerodynamic curves, and signature split flush headlights. But it’s the side profile and rear taillights that draw the most comparisons to the Xiaomi YU7.
It’s important to remember these images are unofficial renderings from Motor1, not the final product. McLaren did privately show a clay model to dealers, who described it as “sculpted and muscular,” larger than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, and rolling on massive 24-inch wheels. It featured deep scallops on the doors for airflow and a sleek greenhouse. The final production version, expected around 2028, will likely evolve, but these early glimpses suggest a very dramatic, performance oriented machine.
Meet the Xiaomi YU7
The YU7 is a fully electric SUV built on Xiaomi’s in house Modena platform. It’s a large vehicle, measuring just under 5,000 mm long with a 3,000 mm wheelbase, putting it in a competitive class. It comes in Standard, Pro, and Max trims, with power from its electric motor ranging from a healthy 235 kW (315 hp) to a blistering 508 kW (about 681 hp). With new motor options becoming more common, this kind of variety is crucial.
Battery options deliver a CLTC rated range of 760 to 835 km. Inside, the YU7 is a tech lover’s dream, featuring a massive HyperVision display, adaptive massage seats, and a full suite of advanced driver assistance hardware, including LiDAR, radar, and cameras. Its 800V fast charging architecture makes it practical for both city commutes and long road trips.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | 3.2 – 5.9 | s | Depending on trim (Max to Standard) |
| Peak power | 235 – 508 | kW | Combined motor output for different trims |
| Range (CLTC) | 760 – 835 | km | CLTC is optimistic; expect lower real-world range |
| Battery capacity | 96.3 – 101.7 | kWh | Supplier and chemistry specifics not listed |
| Charging Architecture | 800V | — | Enables ultra-fast DC charging |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 4999 / 1996 / 1608 | mm | Wheelbase: 3000 mm |
| Starting price (approx.) | 35,000 | USD | For the Standard trim in China |
Worlds Apart in Spirit
Despite the visual overlap, these two SUVs couldn’t be more different. The McLaren P47 is all about raw driving dynamics, a hybrid V8 heart, and the kind of exotic performance you’d expect from the brand. It’s a supercar in an SUV’s body. The Xiaomi YU7, on the other hand, is a forward looking electric vehicle focused on range, practicality, and cutting edge technology. It balances its sleek, aerodynamic look with a feature rich interior designed for comfort and convenience.
So while the P47’s aggressive stance and low roofline echo the YU7’s silhouette, their core philosophies are miles apart. One is an ode to combustion performance with a hybrid twist, the other a vision of an all electric, tech-centric future.
Editor’s Take
Let’s be clear, the McLaren P47 and Xiaomi YU7 are fundamentally different machines. The P47, based on these early renders, is shaping up to be a hybrid performance beast likely costing well over 300,000 USD. The Xiaomi YU7 is a tech packed electric SUV for the masses, starting around 35,000 USD. Yet, you can’t ignore the resemblance. It’s a fascinating example of design convergence in the modern SUV market. It makes you wonder, is this a six figure British supercar or a cleverly styled Chinese EV? In today’s automotive world, it seems even brands from opposite ends of the spectrum can end up trying on the same outfit.
