Tianyuan Li, the head of design at Xiaomi Auto, discussed the development philosophy behind the Skynomad N70 and N90 crossovers. Li, who joined the company in 2021 after working at BMW and Peugeot, emphasized that the design team aimed for a timeless aesthetic rather than relying on common industry trends like the robot-face look.
The design process involved collaboration between automotive engineers and consumer electronics experts from Xiaomi. This internal dialogue led to a focus on hidden technology that assists users only when needed, rather than constant visual digital displays. The company aims to balance traditional automotive engineering with modern intelligent features.
The Skynomad N90 crossover features a drag coefficient of 0.255 Cd. Achieving this figure required close cooperation between design and aerodynamics teams to refine every surface, including the hood angle, roofline, and rear bumper geometry. The company prioritized aerodynamics to reduce energy consumption and improve overall range.
The vehicle includes rotatable front seats designed to facilitate social interaction within the cabin. Li noted that this feature allows for various scenarios, such as dining, business meetings, or gaming, by changing the interior layout. The company intends to provide users with the flexibility to define how they utilize the space.
