A sudden brake fire during a media test of the Xiaomi YU7 Max EV has caught public attention. The company has issued a detailed response, calling it an “extreme situation” caused by specific track conditions—not a flaw in the vehicle itself.
During a high-speed media test at the Tianjin V1 International Circuit, the YU7 Max SUV completed a fast lap and was then parked without undergoing a proper cooldown. Moments later, the brake pads caught fire, with temperatures reported to have gone above 600°C.
According to Xiaomi’s official statement, the fire was caused by organic materials in the low-metallic brake pads igniting briefly due to the intense heat buildup. The company emphasized that the brake system itself was not damaged and remained fully operational during and after the fire.
Xiaomi explained that the YU7 Max was not using its advanced Master Mode, a setting that activates enhanced energy recovery and takes pressure off the friction brakes. Without this mode, especially in a racetrack setting, the braking system had to work harder than usual, creating the conditions for the fire to spark.
The company stressed that the YU7 Max involved in the test was a production model without any performance modifications, which is not typically recommended for high-speed track use. Xiaomi advised customers that if they intend to take their vehicles onto race circuits, they should consider proper performance upgrades and safety preparations.
While no injuries were reported and the fire was contained quickly, videos of the smoking brake components quickly spread online, raising concerns about the EV’s safety features. Xiaomi reassured customers that this type of brake fire is not uncommon in high-performance vehicles using similar pad materials under aggressive driving conditions. These fires usually last only a few seconds and pose little threat to overall safety.
The YU7 Max is Xiaomi’s latest high-end electric SUV, featuring over 800 horsepower and advanced torque vectoring. It’s part of Xiaomi’s bold push into the EV world, challenging established auto brands with smart integration and cutting-edge performance.
This incident, while dramatic, has opened up public conversations about the expectations consumers should have when using high-powered electric vehicles in extreme conditions.
For now, Xiaomi appears confident that the YU7 Max remains safe for normal use. Their message is clear: if you treat a street car like a racecar, you’d better be prepared for the heat—literally.
Reactions from the EV Community
The incident has sparked mixed reactions online. Some EV enthusiasts defended Xiaomi, pointing out that high temperatures during aggressive braking are not uncommon in track conditions. Others, however, questioned whether Xiaomi should install a dedicated “track mode” or warn more clearly about the risks of pushing production EVs to the limit without proper prep.
“Track driving is intense,” one user wrote on a popular EV forum. “But if a car catches fire, even briefly, people are going to talk.” As cited by Carscoop
