Just now, Xiaomi Automobile officially announced its new brand, Pengcheng, and revealed two core details.

CheDongXi July 8 news, just now, Xiaomi Auto officially announced the new brand name "SkyNomad" in a public statement, explaining its meaning — "Sky, Nomad". Xiaomi Auto's official team further revealed that the brand name is closely related to "Space" and "Life".

▲ Xiaomi Auto officially released new vehicle information

Based on previous disclosures, this English name with a strong outdoor exploration vibe likely refers to the upcoming range-extended SUV series from Xiaomi Auto, marking the brand's brand-new journey in the range-extended electric vehicle segment.

Currently, the official Chinese translation of "SkyNomad" has not been finalized. Earlier industry leaks suggested it might be "Xuntian", but multiple recent sources indicate the final name could be "Pengcheng".

Correspondingly, Xiaomi Auto has registered the official WeChat public account "Xiaomi Pengcheng". Information from the China National Intellectual Property Administration shows that Xiaomi filed the "Pengcheng" trademark application back in March this year.

▲ Xiaomi Auto registered the "Xiaomi Pengcheng" WeChat public account

No matter what the final name is, this new vehicle has entered the countdown to its market launch.

Previously, an automotive industry blogger revealed the launch timeline of Xiaomi's new range-extended model: The new Xiaomi range-extended SUV may hold a technical launch event at the end of July, officially go on sale in mid-to-late August, and the official team is expected to prepare more than 10,000 ready vehicles to enable immediate deliveries upon launch.

▲ Rumors say Xiaomi Auto may prepare over 10,000 ready vehicles

A widely circulated group chat record in the industry shows that some users have received notifications from sales staff: Xiaomi's retail stores will display the demo vehicles by the end of the month, and according to sales representatives, the brand currently plans three different trim versions for this model.

▲ Some users stated sales staff confirmed demo vehicles will arrive at stores at the end of the month (Image source: Internet)

Back in mid-June, Xiaomi Auto had already launched a special training program for its nationwide sales team focused on the new range-extended model.

▲ Xiaomi Auto conducted nationwide special training on range-extended vehicles for sales teams in mid-June (Image source: Internet)

It is certain that Xiaomi's new range-extended SUV is counting down to launch, and we will likely get to see its full unveiling within this month.

According to an announcement released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on June 10, Xiaomi Auto Technology Co., Ltd. has added the product category of range-extended electric passenger vehicles to its modified business scope. The production address is located at Courtyard 21, Huanjing Road, Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area — Xiaomi Auto's Beijing manufacturing plant.

▲ Xiaomi Auto added the product category of range-extended electric passenger vehicles

Xiaomi Auto's first range-extended SUV is expected to belong to the all-new SkyNomad brand and be launched to the market in the second half of 2026.

During Xiaomi's Q1 earnings conference, Lu Weibing only used a few brief lines to tease the new Xiaomi vehicle, but the message contained a huge amount of key information.

First, Lu Weibing specifically emphasized the "all-new platform". This means Xiaomi has completed full iteration on the underlying architecture of the new vehicle, and the new platform is likely to support brand-new powertrain forms. Considering that large SUVs are heavier and have higher space requirements, Xiaomi has definitely carried out adaptive design on the chassis and space utilization, and the layout of the battery pack may also be further optimized.

Second, he mentioned "developing multiple vehicle models". This indicates that Xiaomi's new large-sized vehicle may, like Li Auto's L series, expand into models with different segmented positioning, adopt varied seat layouts, build a complete SUV product matrix, further extend its price range, and potentially intensify competition in the 90,000-yuan-and-above vehicle market.

Third, Lu Weibing reaffirmed his confidence in the "annual sales target of 550,000 units". Currently, Xiaomi's existing vehicle models maintain stable performance, and to hit this target, the new large SUV launching in the second half of the year will undoubtedly take on a major share of the sales mission.

According to CheDongXi's 19-month-long information tracking of Xiaomi's new models, the brand has planned multiple vehicle variants under this product line.

▲ Recently circulated suspected spy shots of Xiaomi's range-extended SUV (Image source: Internet)

Xiaomi's first range-extended SUV may feature a relatively square and rugged design, with a thick front face, straight body lines, possibly adopting split "you"-shaped headlights paired with horizontal daytime running lights embedded with the Xiaomi Auto logo. It is also expected to be equipped with semi-hidden door handles, lidar sensors, and electric side steps, while the rear end may adopt a full-width through-type taillight.

Moreover, the new vehicle is expected to offer 2 different seat layout options, as well as a factory version with a liftable roof.

Among them, the 7-seat version may exceed 5.2 meters in body length and 3.1 meters in wheelbase. The flat roof and vertical rear window ensure that passengers in the third row do not feel cramped or depressed.

▲ The camouflaged vehicles numbered 021, 022, and 045 may adopt a 7-seat layout (Image source: Internet)

The 5-seat version has a more compact body with a larger inclination angle on the rear window, offering a spacious trunk. It is likely targeted at couples and small families, focusing on cost-effectiveness and mass market sales.

▲ The camouflaged vehicles numbered 078 and 089 may adopt a 5-seat layout (Image source: Internet)

The liftable roof version may be equipped with a height-adjustable structure on the roof, which expands the upper space when raised to achieve a "vehicle-integrated-with-room" experience, allowing users to stay outdoors comfortably without carrying an extra tent.

▲ The camouflaged vehicles numbered 052 and 053 may be equipped with a liftable roof (Image source: Internet)

Beyond sorting out the exterior details of the new vehicle, CheDongXi has also found "exclusive designs" likely tailored for this range-extended SUV in patent documents submitted by Xiaomi Auto, including two core patents covering the roof system and the front cabin layout.

The first one is a set of "tool-free, one-second installation" factory roof tent system, built-in with exclusive camping functions.

▲ Cross-sectional schematic diagram of the roof tent assembly disclosed in the patent document

The second one is a "premiumly arranged" front cabin specifically designed for range-extended vehicles. Adopting a "wet-dry separation" design, it reduces the impact of possible water leakage from thermal management equipment and pipelines on the electrical equipment assembly.

▲ Three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the front cabin layout disclosed in the patent document

From the early confidential project to the full exposure of vehicle spy shots and patent information, the product profile of Xiaomi's large SUV has gradually become clear.

Whether it is the front cabin architecture that balances safety and space, or the factory-installed camping accessories designed for outdoor scenarios, all reflect Xiaomi's unique design considerations for this model.

As the official preheating progresses, the new vehicle is getting closer to its official debut, and its performance in the large SUV market is worthy of continuous attention.

This article is from the WeChat public account "CheDongXi", author: Er Yan, editor: Zhi Hao, published with authorization from 36Kr.