Xiaomi Unveils SU7, Its First Electric Car, Challenging Tesla and Porsche in High-Speed Arena

Xiaomi, a leading Chinese consumer electronics company, has unveiled its first electric car, the Xiaomi SU7 — challenging established giants like Tesla and Porsche. The unveiling event in Shanghai revealed not just a new car but a new contender in the high-stakes world of electric mobility.

The Xiaomi SU7, set to hit the Chinese market in 2024, emerges as a direct competitor to the likes of Porsche’s Taycan. Xiaomi’s CEO Lei Jun expressed the company’s vision of becoming one of the top five carmakers globally within the next 15 to 20 years. The company has already begun pilot production of the SU7 at its Beijing factory.

The SU7, available in two versions — the standard Xiaomi SU7 and the more advanced Xiaomi SU7 Max — showcases remarkable features. Both models are equipped with the HyperEngine V6 motor, but the SU7 Max boasts a more potent V6S motor, enhanced battery capacity, superior braking systems, and an advanced version of Xiaomi Pilot for autonomous driving.

The powertrain of the SU7 is rooted in Xiaomi’s new electric car platform, Modena, supporting both 400-volt and 800-volt architectures. The base V6 motor of the SU7 offers 299hp and 400Nm of torque, while the V6s variant in the SU7 Max delivers an impressive 673hp, enabling a rapid acceleration of 0-100kph in just 2.78 seconds.

The initial models will feature a 101kWh CATL-supplied lithium-ion battery with a range of up to 800km. The SU7 also boasts rapid charging capabilities, gaining up to 220km of range in 5 minutes and 510km in 15 minutes. Furthermore, Xiaomi plans to introduce a larger 132kWh battery variant with an extended range of up to 998km.

The design of the SU7, under the guidance of Xiaomi’s head of design, Sawyer Li, features sleek, aerodynamic lines contributing to a drag coefficient of just 0.195. The car’s dimensions and its structural integrity mark it as a formidable competitor in the EV market.

The SU7’s interior is dominated by multiple screens, including a 16.1-inch central display, a fully digital instrument cluster, a 56-inch heads-up display, and additional rear screens. Xiaomi’s proprietary HyperOS powers these displays, running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip. The car’s autonomous capabilities, driven by the Xiaomi Pilot system, integrate various sensors and cameras, processed through the Nvidia Drive Orin platform.

While the SU7’s pricing details remain undisclosed, Xiaomi has opened reservations for the Founder’s Edition, to be delivered in February 2024. Initially available only in China, the company has not yet revealed plans for international expansion, focusing on establishing a strong foothold in its home market.