Xiaomi SkyNomad N70 and N90 REEVs launched in China from RM 130k, any luck for Malaysia?

On the evening of 7 September, the Xiaomi SkyNomad N70 and N90 series were officially launched. This marks Xiaomi EV's second product lineup following the SU7 and YU7, as well as Xiaomi's maiden venture into range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) powertrains.

SkyNomad N90

SkyNomad N70

Spec comparison

Note: Bold text denotes superior specifications within the comparison. The N70 Max's 6.1 L/100 km depleted battery fuel consumption figure is cited from Internet Info Agency reports. Both variants in the N90 range share an identical powertrain, with the Exploration Edition exclusively gaining the electric pop-up roof tent.

Pricing & specs

The SkyNomad range comprises four variants: N70 Pro at RMB 209,900, N70 Max at RMB 239,900, N90 Max at RMB 269,900, and N90 Max Exploration Edition at RMB 299,900.

SkyNomad N90

The N90 Max, initially previewed at RMB 299,900, saw its official retail price reduced by RMB 30,000 to RMB 269,900; the N70 Max dropped by RMB 20,000 from RMB 259,900 to RMB 239,900.

The entry-level N70 Pro is tagged at RMB 209,900, undercutting the existing SU7 (from RMB 219,900) by RMB 10,000, making it the most accessible Xiaomi model to date.

SkyNomad N70

Dimension-wise, the N70 measures 4,960 mm long, 1,998 mm wide, and 1,765 mm tall with a 2,950 mm wheelbase, packaged as a five-seater.

The flagship N90 stretches to 5,285 mm in length, 1,998 mm in width, and 1,825 mm in height with a 3,080 mm wheelbase, adopting a 2+2+3 seven-seat configuration. The N90 is 460 mm longer than a Proton X90.

SkyNomad N90

SkyNomad N70

Cabin practicality serves as the SkyNomad's headline selling point. Highlights include a completely flat floor, extended seat sliding rails, and a sliding central console, along with 180-degree swivelling front seats that allow a face-to-face lounge setup with the second row.

In the N90, a 1.9-metre-tall adult can lounge comfortably in row two, while a 1.8-metre passenger gets ample head- and legroom in the third row; maximum boot capacity reaches an 1,831 litres.

The N90 Max Exploration Edition takes versatility further with a built-in power-operated pop-up roof tent, extending interior standing height to 2.29 metres to create an instant duplex loft.

Under the skin, all variants utilise Xiaomi's 1.5-litre turbocharged range extender generator.

The N70 Pro packs a 52 kWh LFP battery, achieving a CLTC pure electric range of 351 km, a combined range of 1,351 km, 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, and a WLTC depleted battery fuel consumption of 5.7 L/100 km.

The N70 Max gets a larger 76 kWh NMC battery, offering 505 km of pure EV range and a 1,461 km total range; its dual-motor AWD layout delivers a peak output of 310 kW, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.

The larger N90 Max achieves a CLTC pure electric range of 464 km, a 1,705 km total range, and a WLTC depleted battery fuel consumption of 6.26 L/100 km.

The range extender is compatible with 92 petrol, 95 petrol, and 98 petrol. The 76 kWh battery supports DC fast charging, juicing from 20% to 80% in just 18 minutes, allowing the N90 Max to recover roughly 285 km of range within a 15-minute top-up.

On the tech and safety fronts, the SkyNomad series comes standard with LiDAR, 4 nm NVIDIA Thor chip boasting 700 TOPS of computing power, and Xiaomi HAD advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The N90 Max adds a rear-facing solid-state LiDAR.

In terms of passive safety, the N70 incorporates 2,200 MPa ultra-high-strength steel across 14 zones along with 9 airbags, while the N90 upgrades to 16 reinforced zones and 12 airbags.

An integrated roll cage, one-piece hot-stamped door rings, high-speed tyre blowout stability assist operating up to 160 km/h, and an emergency water-floating self-recovery feature are all standard equipment.

Bookings surpassed 10,000 units within just four minutes of its launch.

Battery warranty

Ahead of the launch on 4 September, Xiaomi unveiled its Longjia Battery "Peace of Mind Assurance Programme".

Rather than manufacturing cells in-house, Xiaomi sets strict design and quality benchmarks, deploying resident engineers directly to supplier factories. Xiaomi's quality assurance team is based at CALB and Sunwoda manufacturing facilities, managing six core modules with full oversight extending up to raw material suppliers.

The production lines incorporate approximately 8,000 monitoring checkpoints, subjecting every cell to 100% X-ray inspection and CT non-destructive scanning, supported by AI-driven automated error correction and a 15-year archive for all manufacturing data.

Under the warranty terms, first-party private owners who maintain comprehensive motor insurance, adhere to authorised service intervals, and keep connected telematics active are entitled to two lifetime guarantees.

First, if an original battery pack catches fire due to manufacturing defects resulting in a total constructive loss, a brand-new vehicle of identical specification will be provided.

Second, if collision or undercarriage impact triggers a battery fire causing a total loss, Xiaomi will reimburse the shortfall between the insured market value and the actual insurance payout.

These benefits carry no annual mileage caps or traditional warranty timeline limits.

The N70 Pro utilises a 52 kWh LFP pack from Sunwoda, while the N70 Max and N90 Max variants feature 76 kWh NMC units supplied by CALB.

Prospects for Malaysia

Expected timeline

Xiaomi EV has yet to officially launch in Malaysia. However, Group President Lu Weibing confirmed that overseas operations will officially commence in Q3-Q4 2027 starting in Europe, followed by an expansion into right-hand-drive (RHD) markets including the UK, Australia, and Japan in the first half of 2028.

Several telltale signs suggest Malaysia is squarely on Xiaomi's radar.

In mid-July 2026, Xiaomi posted a LinkedIn vacancy for a Government Relations Manager for its automotive division in Malaysia, with "CKD" (Completely Knocked Down) mentioned twice in the job description—the brand's first official hint at local assembly outside China.

Key job requirements include liaisons with agencies such as MIDA, MITI, MARii, Customs, and JPJ, alongside deep expertise in national automotive policies, regulatory frameworks, CBU/CKD, customs duty structures, and cross-border trade compliance.

Furthermore, Xiaomi EV's global website and social channels went live in August 2026.

Taking these factors into account, the earliest plausible window for the SkyNomad N70/N90 to touch down in Malaysia would be the first half of 2028.

Estimated Malaysian pricing

A direct currency conversion puts the N70 Pro at around RM 118,000, the N70 Max at RM 135,000, and the N90 Max at RM 152,000.

However, those are Chinese market figures. Factoring in logistics, insurance, import duties, excise duties, and SST, final on-the-road (OTR) prices will inevitably be higher.

Effective 1 July 2026, Malaysia enforced updated regulations on completely built-up (CBU) electric vehicles: a minimum CIF value of RM 200,000 and a minimum motor output of 180 kW.

While the SkyNomad comfortably surpasses the 180 kW threshold, the RM 200,000 CIF floor means that even an entry-level N70 Pro would easily breach the RM 300,000 mark after duties as a CBU import.

The alternative and more strategic route is local assembly (CKD), as hinted in Xiaomi's job posting.

CKD programmes circumvent the CBU RM 200,000 CIF floor and allow access to customised MIDA tax incentives, significantly reducing the overall duty burden—a strategy successfully leveraged by numerous carmakers in Malaysia.

Potential market impact

In the first half of 2026, battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations in Malaysia reached 26,192 units (up 106% YoY), while hybrid sales registered 25,590 units. However, the range-extended EV (REEV) segment remains virtually untapped, with no mainstream brands fielding dedicated REEV options locally.

If the SkyNomad makes its local landing, it will directly address the market demand for a "zero-range-anxiety electrified family SUV."

The appetite for large three-row haulers in Malaysia is proven, with the Proton X90 enjoying steady interest alongside perennial favourites like the Perodua Alza and Toyota Innova. A practical seven-seater that operates on pure electric power for daily city commutes while relying on petrol backup for long interstate balik kampung road trips is inherently tailored for Malaysian family needs.

Nevertheless, formidable challenges remain.

If brought in via the CBU route, pricing in excess of RM300,000 thrusts it straight into contention with established premium badges like the BMW iX3, Volvo XC40 Recharge, and Mercedes-Benz EQB. For a marque that has only built cars for three years, brand prestige remains a decisive factor.

Conversely, if Xiaomi pursues CKD assembly and nails a competitive price point, the SkyNomad could mount a serious challenge against the Proton X90 and mainstream Japanese D-segment SUVs.

Another hurdle is consumer awareness. The REEV concept is still relatively novel to most Malaysian car buyers. If the SkyNomad is to make an impact here, Xiaomi's initial task will not simply be shifting metal, but educating the motoring public on why this tech deserves a spot in their porch.