Xiaomi SU7: A New Challenger in the EV Market

Xiaomi, the Chinese tech giant known for its smartphones and smart home devices, has officially entered the electric vehicle (EV) market with its first car, the SU7. The SU7 is a sleek and futuristic sedan that aims to rival the likes of Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4 in terms of performance, design, and technology. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the features, specifications, and launch date of the Xiaomi SU7, and see how it compares to its competitors.

Features and Specifications

The Xiaomi SU7 was revealed in Chinese government filings, which also confirmed some of the key details about the car. According to the filings, the SU7 measures 4,997mm in length, 1,963mm in width, 1,440mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,000mm. It weighs between 1,980-2,205kg, depending on the specification picked.

Xiaomi will offer two powertrain options for the SU7: a rear-wheel-drive version with 299hp and a top speed of 210kph, and a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive version with 673hp and a top speed of 265kph. Two battery packs will also be available: a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery from BYD on entry-level cars and a larger CATL pack as a more expensive option. The battery capacities and range are yet to be confirmed, but some reports suggest that the SU7 will have a range of up to 800km on a single charge.

The SU7 will be equipped with Xiaomi’s HyperOS operating system, which will enable seamless integration with smartphones and smart home accessories. Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, shared the first official look of the SU7, hinting at the car’s intelligent technology and user interface. Lei Jun also emphasised the importance of software and hardware innovation for the EV industry, and said that Xiaomi will invest $10 billion in its EV business over the next decade.

The SU7 will also feature some advanced features, such as a lidar array on the roof for driver assistance and autonomy, an active rear wing for aerodynamics, and a choice of 19-inch and 20-inch wheels. The car will have a fastback roofline and a faux-hatch trunk, giving it a sporty and elegant appearance. The front end of the SU7 seems to take inspiration from the latest McLarens, with slim headlights and a tapered bonnet. The rear end has wraparound tail-lights with a light bar connecting them.

The SU7 will be available in three trims: SU7, SU7 Pro, and SU7 Max, as well as a Founders Edition subvariant. The interior of the SU7 is expected to have two themes to choose from, and a large, horizontally oriented central touchscreen infotainment system.

Launch Date and Price

The Xiaomi SU7 is expected to go on sale in China in the first half of 2024, with mass production starting in December 2023. The car will be built under contract by BAIC, a state-owned Chinese car manufacturer. The deliveries are likely to begin in February 2024.

The price of the Xiaomi SU7 is not yet announced, but it is speculated that it will have a starting price of 149,000 Yuan (~$20,500), which is significantly lower than the Tesla Model 3 and the BMW i4. Xiaomi is known for its aggressive pricing strategy and high-quality products, and it will be interesting to see how it will disrupt the EV market with its first car.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi SU7 is a bold and ambitious move by Xiaomi to enter the EV market, which is growing rapidly in China and around the world. The SU7 promises to offer a high-performance, high-tech, and high-design EV that will compete with the established players in the segment. The SU7 also showcases Xiaomi’s vision of creating a smart and connected ecosystem of devices and services, which will enhance the user experience and convenience. The SU7 is expected to launch in China in 2024, and we hope to see it in other markets soon.