Tesla’s Model Y continues to draw significant consumer attention in China’s increasingly competitive electric vehicle (EV) market. Data compiled by Yiche from the China Passenger Car Association highlights that the Model Y not only maintained its position through October 2025 as the top-selling pure electric SUV in the 200,000–300,000 RMB range but also outpaced an array of emerging domestic competitors. The battle for market share in this price segment underscores the shifting priorities of Chinese buyers, who are showing a growing preference for established international brands alongside innovative domestic offerings.
Reports from previous years noted Tesla’s consistent growth but also flagged the rapid rise of Chinese EV manufacturers. Brands like BYD and NIO were previously noted as the main challengers, but the latest statistics signal an even fiercer contest due to Xiaomi’s ascendance. The rapid growth of Xiaomi SU7 and YU7 models illustrates how quickly the competitive landscape can evolve, though Tesla’s position remains strong. Earlier coverage focused more on challenges faced by Tesla due to regulatory scrutiny and price wars; however, 2025 data points to a stabilization and even consolidation of its premium EV status despite these factors.
Which Models Lead Sales in the 200,000–300,000 RMB Segment?
The Model Y led the sales charts with 312,331 vehicles delivered between January and October 2025, establishing a considerable gap ahead of rivals. The Xiaomi SU7 secured the second spot, recording 234,521 units sold, followed by Tesla’s Model 3, which achieved 146,379 sales. The Xiaomi YU7, though positioned as a possible future rival, held fourth place with 80,855 units sold during the same period. The data suggest that Tesla, particularly through the Model Y and Model 3, continues to resonate with premium EV customers.
What Sets Tesla Models Apart in Energy Efficiency?
Recently, Autohome conducted a real-world efficiency test under controlled driving conditions, measuring the energy consumption of competing EVs at identical speeds and payloads. Tesla emerged at the forefront, with the Model 3 posting 20.8 kWh/100 km and the Model Y at 21.8 kWh/100 km. These results reaffirmed Tesla’s reputation for energy efficiency in practical usage scenarios. The outcome sparked industry-wide discussion, with Xiaomi’s leadership addressing Tesla’s dominance directly.
“The Xiaomi SU7’s energy consumption performance is also very good; you can take a closer look. The fact that its test results are weaker than Tesla’s is partly due to objective reasons: the Xiaomi SU7 is a C-segment car, larger and with higher specifications, making it heavier and naturally increasing energy consumption,”
stated Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi.
How Are Competitors Responding to Tesla’s Market Lead?
In response to Tesla’s ongoing lead, Xiaomi’s leadership publicly acknowledged the strengths of their American counterpart while reaffirming their intent to narrow the efficiency gap. Lei Jun emphasized ongoing improvements aimed at optimizing Xiaomi EVs for greater efficiency.
“Of course, we will continue to learn from Tesla and further optimize its energy consumption performance!”
he commented, highlighting a proactive approach from competing brands eager to catch up with Tesla’s technological benchmarks and market reach.
Tesla’s sustained dominance in China’s premium EV space reflects not just established brand preference but the company’s commitment to efficiency and consistent retail performance. The pressure from domestic contenders such as Xiaomi indicates that this leadership will continue to be tested as technology evolves and product portfolios diversify. For consumers, the emergence of Xiaomi as a credible alternative alongside Tesla offers enhanced choices in the 200,000–300,000 RMB range, potentially driving further advancements in innovation and affordability. Monitoring product rollouts, especially from Chinese brands, and the evolution of regulatory policies will be key to anticipating further shifts in this dynamic sector.
