Xiaomi, renowned for its affordable smartphones and smart home devices, is gearing up for a new challenge. The Chinese tech giant is set to unveil its inaugural electric vehicle, the stylish SU7 sedan, on March 28th, following years of anticipation.
Starting March 25th, customers can test drive the SU7, with reservations already open. The show car will be displayed at 59 stores across 29 Chinese cities.
The pricing of the SU7 is a topic of speculation. While Xiaomi’s CEO Lei Jun suggested it might be “a bit expensive,” leaks hint at a starting price between RMB 250,000 and RMB 370,000 (approximately €32,600 – €48,500). This pricing places it against competitors like the Tesla Model 3, requiring Xiaomi to justify its cost with promised technology and user experience in a competitive EV market.
Xiaomi’s entry into the electric car market is a bold move. In China’s fiercely competitive EV landscape, where established automakers engage in price wars, Xiaomi aims to leverage its technological expertise and existing customer base. Analysts are eager to see if Xiaomi’s success in the smartphone industry will translate into the automotive sector.
The SU7 distinguishes itself with a focus on seamless connectivity, aiming to integrate the car with smartphones and smart homes for a personalized user experience. This technological emphasis could give Xiaomi an edge, appealing to tech-savvy consumers.
The base SU7 features a rear-wheel drive motor generating 299 PS of power and 400 Nm of torque, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h. It boasts a spacious interior and an impressive CLTC range of 668 km with its 73.6 kWh battery pack.
For performance enthusiasts, the SU7 Max offers a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain, producing 673 PS of power and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds. With a larger 101 kWh battery pack, it promises a CLTC range of 821 km.
Inside, the SU7 features a driver-centric design with advanced technology, including a high-resolution center screen and extensive voice and gesture controls powered by the Snapdragon 8295 chip.
While the SU7 shows promise, its success in China’s price-sensitive EV market will depend on striking the right balance between features and pricing.