Xiaomi SkyNomad N70 hybrid crossover: like a flagship, but smaller and cheaper

On 30 June, alongside the large flagship crossover Xiaomi SkyNomad N90, its younger sibling — the SkyNomad N70 — also made its debut in China. Both new models are unified in terms of platform and design, but the SkyNomad N70 is more compact, lighter and slightly more dynamic. Both new models will go on sale in September.

SkyNomad (translated into Russian as 'heavenly nomad') is a new vehicle line officially announced in July within the Xiaomi brand, under which models focused on comfort and travel will be produced, while the electric saloon Xiaomi SU7 and crossover Xiaomi YU7 are the Chinese equivalents of Porsche electric vehicles, i.e. sporty models aimed at the driver and driving enjoyment — hence the finely honed chassis and Nürburgring records.

The first models in the SkyNomad line are the related crossovers with the letters N70 and N90, built on the modular Kunlun platform created specifically for them, with a fully independent suspension. There is already fairly detailed information about the SkyNomad N90, to which we have devoted a separate article. At the premiere, Xiaomi presented much more modest details about the SkyNomad N70, but is nevertheless already taking pre-orders for it ahead of the full sales launch in September.

The overall length of the SkyNomad N70 is 4,960 mm, the width is 1,998 mm, the height is 1,765 mm, and the wheelbase is 2,950 mm. For comparison, the overall length of the SkyNomad N90 is 5,285 mm, the width is 1,998 mm, the height is 1,825 mm, and the wheelbase is 3,080 mm. The standard wheels on the SkyNomad N70 are 19-inch, with 21-inch wheels available at an additional cost.

At the pre-order stage, the SkyNomad N70 is available in a single Max version with two traction electric motors and, accordingly, all-wheel drive: the front electric motor delivers 210 kW, the rear one 100 kW, with a maximum combined output of 310 kW (422 hp). The 1.5-litre petrol turbo engine producing 152 hp, mounted at the front under the bonnet, is not mechanically connected to the wheels; it operates as a generator and charges the traction battery with a capacity of 76 kWh. The SkyNomad N70 Max accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds (the SkyNomad N90 Max takes 6.3 seconds), and the top speed is limited to 190 km/h. The driving range on a single charge without engaging the internal combustion engine is 505 km under the CLTC cycle, and in hybrid mode with a fully filled tank (45 litres) it is 1,461 km. The kerb weight is 2,561 kg.

Later, the SkyNomad N70 will gain a base Pro version with a single front electric motor producing 210 kW (286 hp) and a 52 kWh battery. The dynamic characteristics and single-charge driving range of this version have not yet been published.

The interior of the SkyNomad N70 is strictly five-seat, whereas the SkyNomad N90 offers both a five-seat and a three-row seven-seat version. Details of the SkyNomad N70's interior equipment have not yet been revealed, but it is generally clear that everything here is much the same as in the SkyNomad N90, namely a minimalist design, two screens on the dashboard, a fold-down ceiling television and a multifunctional central console. The rear three-seat bench moves along rails within the cabin and can be slid back into the boot to provide a truly generous amount of legroom.

The SkyNomad N70 Max costs 259,900 yuan at the pre-order stage (approximately 3.07 million roubles at the current exchange rate), but the actual retail price will be lower — most likely on a par with the recently launched second-generation Li L6, which starts from 249,800 yuan (2.95 million roubles).