Xiaomi has confirmed that its SkyNomad N90 will use a 2+2+3 cabin, giving the full-size SUV seven seats while retaining separate chairs in the second row.
Xiaomi founder, chairman and chief executive Lei Jun said the layout was chosen around extended-family travel.
He cited a couple travelling with one child and both sets of grandparents, or a two-child household accompanied by grandparents and a nanny. Xiaomi also said the luggage compartment can carry bags for all seven occupants.
Lei added that the arrangement is comparable with a seven-seat Buick GL8, allowing the N90 to handle business transport as well as family trips.
The comparison concerns cabin use rather than vehicle type: the GL8 is a multi-purpose vehicle, while the N90 retains an SUV body.
The SkyNomad sub-brand is known as Pengcheng in Chinese, with the N90 expected to launch towards the end of this month.
Xiaomi announced it as its second vehicle series after the SU7 and YU7 line, with an emphasis on cabin flexibility rather than driver-focused performance.
Xiaomi said development began in early 2023 on a new Kunlun architecture.
The platform uses a flat cabin floor and long seat rails so occupants can alter the layout when the vehicle is parked. Lei has also shown the front seats turned towards the rear, paired with a movable centre console and table.
The company said the cabin can be arranged as a workspace for one person, a café for two, a meeting area for three or a play space for a family.
Those are Xiaomi’s examples of how the interior may be used, rather than named driving or equipment modes.
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology included the N90 in its proposed Batch 409 vehicle list.
Filing data list a body measuring 5,285 mm long, 1,998 mm wide and 1,825 mm tall, with a 3,080 mm wheelbase. Five- and seven-seat versions are recorded.
The range-extender system combines a 112 kW 1.5-litre petrol engine with electric motors rated at 210 kW and 100 kW.
Maximum speed is listed at 190kph, while the 76kWh battery supports a WLTC electric range of 363km to 370km, depending on version.
CarNewsChina noted that BYD had already used a 2+2+3 layout in the Great Tang.
Xiaomi’s version adds extended seat rails and rotating front seats, allowing occupants to rearrange the cabin when the vehicle is parked.
