Xiaomi explains the design of the Skynomads N70 and N90. The technology is designed to operate silently.

Tianyuan Li, Xiaomi Auto’s design chief, explained the styling of the Skynomad N70 and N90 models in an interview with CarNewsChina on September 25, 2026. Despite its tall and boxy body, the larger of the two models achieves an air resistance coefficient of Cd 0.255. Xiaomi also deliberately opted out of the popular LED strip that mimics a robot’s face.

The car is meant to look like a car

Li was the first Chinese designer hired by BMW’s global headquarters and has also worked for Peugeot. He joined Xiaomi Auto in 2021 and was responsible for the design of the SU7, YU7, Skynomad series, as well as the concept car Vision GT.

The stylistic direction emerged about three years ago during work on the SU7. Car designers associated modernity with screens, 3D projections, HUDs, and ambient lighting. Meanwhile, Xiaomi’s staff working on smartphones and ecosystem devices emphasized complex mechanisms and well-thought-out engineering solutions.

Li’s conclusion was simple: “We design primarily a car, not a technological product.” That’s why the N70 and N90 feature two separate headlights resembling eyes, rather than a single light bar across the entire front.

Technology is meant to stay in the background and appear only when the driver needs it. In China, this is handled by HyperOS XiaoAi, an assistant that uses large language models to manage car functions, navigation, and voice commands—without any visual emphasis saying “I am a robot.”

Cd 0.255 and a cabin converted into a lounge

The Skynomad N90 has a large, fairly vertical body shape, yet it achieves a claimed Cd value of 0.255. Xiaomi has optimized the angle of the front fascia, the transitions between surfaces, air flow around the windows and roof, the narrowing of the rear part of the body, and the point where the airflow separates from the bumper.

The changes also include the headlights, fenders, wheel placement, and wiper geometry. Li summarized the team’s approach with the words: “every point and every millimeter counts.” The Cd value alone, without considering the front surface, does not fully describe overall drag, and the manufacturer’s result still awaits independent verification. On paper, however, it performs well for such a large SUV.

Lower drag means less energy consumption and fewer charging needs. Xiaomi emphasizes that this applies to both electric vehicles and hybrids, as well as EREV models with an internal combustion engine generator.

Another idea is swiveling front seats along with long tracks that allow adjusting the cabin layout. The Lounge and Living Room modes enable face-to-face seating. Xiaomi employees mentioned sharing meals, playing poker, having business discussions, conducting interviews, and gaming online.

Skynomad is therefore trying to sell not another screen, but a space that the owner can customize themselves. Would swiveling seats be a useful solution for you, or just a gadget used twice after purchase?

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