Xiaomi has made a remarkable entry into the automotive industry by developing its first-ever electric vehicle (EV) in record time. The Chinese tech giant, known for its smartphones, announced its venture into the car market in March 2021, and the SU7 EV is already on sale as of this year. Here’s what you need to know about the Xiaomi SU7, which was recently showcased in India:
1. Xiaomi SU7 Design
Xiaomi enlisted top talent for the design of the SU7, bringing on board Li Tianyuan, a former BMW designer known for his work on the BMW iX electric SUV. Additionally, former BMW design head Chris Bangle served as a consultant on the project. The design takes inspiration from luxury electric sedans like the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S, though it is intended to rival the Tesla Model 3 internationally. Notable design features include headlights reminiscent of the McLaren 720S, a tinted rear glass, an adjustable rear spoiler, 19-inch alloy wheels, and frameless doors. The SU7 is available in a variety of colors, including Meteor Blue, Radiant Purple, Basalt Grey, Lava Orange, Pearl White, and Diamond Black.
2. Xiaomi SU7 Features
True to its roots in the tech industry, Xiaomi has equipped the SU7 with an impressive array of features. Entry is granted via an NFC card, eliminating the need for a traditional key. The steering wheel is heated, and a 7.1-inch flip-up instrument cluster greets the driver upon startup. The front seats are electrically adjustable, offering both ventilation and heating functions for added comfort.
3. Xiaomi SU7 Interior and Technology
The interior of the SU7 is dominated by a massive 16.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Xiaomi’s Hyper OS. During a brief test, the system provided a smooth, glitch-free experience, though it was set to Chinese, limiting exploration of its full capabilities. The cabin exudes quality, with soft-close doors adding to the premium feel.
4. Xiaomi SU7 ADAS
Leveraging its technological expertise, Xiaomi has outfitted the SU7 with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The car features a LIDAR sensor (visible as a camel-like hump above the windshield) and 11 high-definition cameras, enabling Level 2 ADAS capabilities. This system enhances the car’s safety and driving convenience.
5. Xiaomi SU7 Powertrain
The SU7 is available in various motor configurations, but the model showcased in India was the high-performance SU7 Max. This variant features all-wheel drive with two electric motors: an induction motor at the front and an asynchronous motor at the rear. Together, they produce a total power output of 673 hp and 838 Nm of torque, propelling the EV from 0 to 100 kph in just 2.78 seconds. The car is equipped with a 101 kWh NMC battery, offering a claimed range of 800 km, according to the Chinese test cycle.
Xiaomi SU7 India Launch and Pricing
As of now, the Xiaomi SU7 is available only in China, with prices ranging from 215,900 Yuan to 299,900 Yuan (approximately Rs 25.4 lakh to Rs 35.3 lakh). Company officials have indicated that there are no immediate plans to expand to other countries, including India. Xiaomi intends to follow the same meticulous approach it used with its smartphones, ensuring the product’s reliability before expanding to new markets. However, an eventual launch in India remains a possibility in the future.
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