Xiaomi Launches Electric Car SU7 Overview

Xiaomi has entered the EV market with a model that offers thrilling acceleration and respectable real-world range. The SU7 also boasts a smart cabin featuring 2 rear 7.1″ touchscreens.

The SU7 is available in Standard, Pro and Max variants. The latter has dual motors that can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 2.78 seconds.

Features

The launch of the Xiaomi SU7 is nothing short of a hold your beer moment for China’s burgeoning electric vehicle market. Xiaomi, which invested billions of dollars in its new EV venture, appears to have matched the price and range targets that seemed wildly optimistic even a couple of years ago. With a massive brand appeal among Chinese consumers and a smartphone operating system that seamlessly syncs with the car, Xiaomi also has a big leg up on software compared to other EV makers.

The SU7 is powered by a 101-kW*h CATL Kirin battery pack with a claimed CLTC range of 700 to 810 kilometers. It also has a fast-charge capability with an 85% capacity boost in 5 and 15 minutes. Its self-developed HyperEngine e-motor and CTB integrated battery technology with innovative inverted cells and multifunctional elastic interlayer are also impressive. The company claims to have a smart chassis control algorithm that delivers millisecond-level adaptive dynamic control for a smooth and bump-free driving experience.

Lei Jun made it clear that the SU7 is a high-performance, sporty and luxury EV with an upscale interior and features such as a “water droplet” headlamp design and 360 LED halo rear brake lights. The SU7 comes in two variants, with the basic version priced at 215,900 yuan ($46,666). The more expensive Founders Edition and Max models come with a higher-capacity battery.

Performance

The SU7’s range and battery performance give it an edge over established competitors. However, the EV landscape is more than just technical specifications and pricing. Regulatory frameworks, consumer attitudes, and charging infrastructure also play important roles in shaping the EV industry. For example, many consumers prioritize sustainability and carbon neutrality when choosing an EV, factors that are difficult for new players to address.

Xiaomi’s entry into the EV market represents an opportunity to challenge the status quo and offer innovative features that improve driving experience and environmental sustainability. The company’s tech-savvy and forward-thinking approach are evident in the SU7’s design and capabilities.

Its smart driver assist features include autonomous parking that can guide the vehicle into parallel or perpendicular spaces. Using ultrasonic sensors and cameras, the system detects surrounding objects and automatically steers into the proper position. It can be activated from inside the vehicle or via smartphone. The SU7 also offers a customizable CarIoT ecosystem that integrates over 1000 Xiaomi smart home devices, enabling automatic discovery, password-free access, and the ability to set automation scenarios. The SU7’s self-developed HyperOS operating system also supports Apple CarPlay and iPad mount accessories, allowing the driver to connect their favorite apps on the go.

When it comes to battery technology, the SU7 is an industry leader with its patented LiFePO4 lithium iron phosphate batteries. The batteries are rigorously tested for safety, including ISO ASIL-D (the highest functional safety standard). Furthermore, they undergo a comprehensive end-of-life management process that includes dismantling, recycling, and repurposing the cells for energy storage.

Design

Xiaomi has just made its first foray into the world of EVs with SU7, which it describes as a full-size high-performance eco-technology sedan. It’s a sleek, four-door beast with bespoke electric motors and a claimed 0 to 60 mph time of just 2.78 seconds. It also has a CarIoT ecosystem that supports the integration of more than 1000 Xiaomi smart home devices, as well as Apple CarPlay and iPad-mounting on the rear extension mount.

The company says its EVs are designed to be “aesthetically pleasing, enjoyable to drive, comfortable, and smart”. The SU7 is built on five core EV technologies: HyperEngine e-motor technology, CTB integrated battery technology, Xiaomi Die-Casting T9100 cluster technology, Xiaomi Pilot autonomous driving capability, and Smart Cabin. Many of these are first-of-its-kind both nationally and internationally, including a Smart Chassis control algorithm that allows millisecond-level adaptive dynamic chassis control for different scenarios.

The SU7 is also loaded with other tech, like an auto-refueling system that can accept up to 20 liters of gasoline or LPG. It’s also got a self-developed battery management system that meets ISO ASIL-D (the highest functional safety standard). It also has a unique water droplet headlamp design and a 360 LED halo rear brake light. And it comes with a spacious cabin, as well as front and rear 7.1-inch curved touchscreens.

Price

The SU7 is the first full-sized EV from Xiaomi, a company best known for its smartphones and quirky tech products. But it’s a serious Tesla-killer, boasting impressive specs and an absurdly affordable price. In fact, the base model costs less than the cheapest version of the Tesla Model 3.

The standard rear-wheel drive SU7 starts at 215,900 yuan (or around $30,000). It uses a 400V architecture and 73.6 kWh battery pack to deliver a CLTC driving range of 700 km (341 miles) with a top speed of 155 mph. The SU7 Pro, priced at 245,900 yuan ($34,000), adds a 94.3 kWh battery with an 830 km (520 mile) driving range and the same 295 hp RWD electric motor from the Standard variant.

The SU7 Max, meanwhile, is the king of them all with its 800V architecture and 101 kWh battery pack that delivers a staggering 497 miles on a CLTC cycle. It can also sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 2.78 seconds and hit speeds of up to 165 mph. That’s all on top of its incredibly fast charging capability, with the car being able to get 317 miles of range back in just 15 minutes on a DC fast charger.