After a much-anticipated period of waiting, Xiaomi has introduced its inaugural electric vehicle, the SU7, in China. This vehicle lineup comprises three versions – Standard, Pro, and Max – designed to accommodate various budgets and requirements. The pricing ranges from 215,900 yuan (US$29,900) for the base model to 299,900 yuan (US$41,500) for the premium model. Scheduled deliveries are set to commence in late April, with the car already showcased in 59 establishments across 29 Chinese cities. Here's a closer look at what could be regarded as one of the most significant electric vehicle launches this year.
Design Collaboration and Expertise
The design of the SU7 reflects a collaborative effort led by Xiaomi's Head of Design, Li Tianyuan, in collaboration with professionals such as James Qiu, previously associated with Mercedes-Benz, and consultant Chris Bangle, known for his work with BMW, Mini, and Rolls Royce. Bangle's positive remarks on the SU7's capabilities for the European market highlight the extensive expertise involved in its creation.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems
Xiaomi provides two driver-assistance systems for the SU7. The Xiaomi Pilot Pro system relies on pure vision technology, utilizing an Nvidia Drive Orin chip with 84 Tops of computing power, akin to Tesla's methodology. The Xiaomi Pilot Max system combines pure vision with lidar technology for enhanced functionalities. Moreover, Xiaomi introduces a city-centric pilot assisted driving system known as City NOA, with trials starting in April across 10 cities and a nationwide rollout planned for May. The SU7 features robust connectivity features, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Variant Details
Each SU7 variant offers distinct features. The base SU7 Standard, priced at 215,900 yuan, includes a 73.6 kWh BYD Blade battery providing a 700 km CLTC range. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h occurs in 5.28 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. The SU7 Pro, priced at 245,900 yuan, boasts a 94.3 kWh CATL battery and an extended CLTC range of 830 km. The top-tier SU7 Max showcases a 101 kWh CATL Qilin battery, providing an 800 km CLTC range and rapid charging capabilities.
The comprehensive lineup of Xiaomi's SU7 models, coupled with their sophisticated driver-assistance systems and exceptional performance statistics, suggests the company's readiness to compete with established players in the electric vehicle domain. Xiaomi's strategic approach and product offerings indicate a well-thought-out entry into the market, with future sales serving as the ultimate litmus test. Xiaomi has also unveiled a lifestyle brand in conjunction with the SU7 release, promising further developments in the future.
