In a world rapidly shifting towards electric vehicles, one name has surprisingly roared onto the scene with a machine that’s generating unprecedented buzz: Xiaomi. Known globally for its smartphones, smart home devices, and even robot vacuum cleaners, Xiaomi’s foray into the automotive industry might seem like a sudden leap. However, with the launch of the Xiaomi SU7, it’s clear they are not just entering the market; they are aiming to redefine it. This isn’t merely another EV; early impressions suggest it might be one of the most compelling electric vehicles available today.

The SU7’s arrival has been nothing short of spectacular. As only the brand’s second car, it garnered an astounding 300,000 pre-orders at launch, leading to wait times of up to a year for delivery. The hype is real, and after spending time with it, one can’t help but wonder if Xiaomi has truly crafted the closest thing to a “perfect” EV. Let’s dive into what makes this car so captivating.

Design Language: Familiarity Meets Refinement

Xiaomi’s initial automotive offering, the SU7 sedan, drew comparisons to the Porsche Taycan, a design philosophy that carries through to their latest SUV. The SU7 exhibits strong Pure Sangay influences, albeit with a less aggressive, more rounded aesthetic. It strikes a balance between sportiness and a family-friendly appeal, subtly integrating Xiaomi’s distinctive design cues.

The front fascia features evolved lighting elements with integrated airflow, a clever touch that speaks to both form and function. Carbon fiber trim on the top-tier model further enhances its sleek, premium look. While some might dismiss these design similarities as derivative, a closer look reveals Xiaomi’s intent: to use familiar aesthetics to draw buyers in, then win them over with groundbreaking technology and user experience beneath the surface. This strategy isn’t new for Xiaomi; they’ve successfully applied it to other product categories, even releasing a phone that closely resembled a competing flagship at the same time. The exterior dimensions of the SU7 are noteworthy as well. It’s slightly longer and wider than a Tesla Model Y in every aspect except height, suggesting a deliberate sizing strategy to compete directly in the popular mid-size SUV segment.

Practicality and Ingenious Storage Solutions

The SU7 defies its sleek, almost coupe-like SUV silhouette with an impressive commitment to practicality. An electrically opening frunk offers a substantial 141 liters of storage, significantly larger than the Model Y’s 117 liters. This dual-motor vehicle truly prioritizes usability, even including a drain plug in the frunk, a thoughtful detail for those who might use it for wet gear.

Around the back, the SU7 boasts a generous 678-liter boot, which expands to a massive 1,758 liters with the electronically folding second-row seats laid flat. This combination of style and cargo capacity makes the SU7 a genuine contender for families and adventurers alike. The attention to detail extends to the clam-shell hood, a design often challenging to manufacture with precision. Xiaomi’s execution here showcases their growing confidence in manufacturing capabilities, aligning all lines and edges flawlessly.

Interior: Minimalism with a Personal Touch

Step inside the SU7, and you’re greeted by an interior that embraces minimalism without sacrificing warmth or functionality. Soft-touch materials abound, from Alcantara on the upper dash to plush leather seats, creating a genuinely premium cabin. The racing-inspired steering wheel, adorned with carbon fiber and Alcantara, features intuitively placed controls for driving modes and autonomous functions, a refreshing contrast to some competitors who overload the wheel with buttons.

Xiaomi’s rich background in consumer electronics shines through in the user experience. They understand personalization. The 1.1-meter wide Xiaomi Hyper HUD, for instance, projects critical driving data, navigation, and customizable widgets onto a specially filmed glass, offering a superior visual experience even in bright conditions. This innovative approach to the head-up display solves common issues with traditional HUDs. Furthermore, the 16.3-inch 3K central screen is a testament to their software prowess: fast, intuitive, and seamlessly integrated into the broader Xiaomi ecosystem. Imagine your car communicating with your home, preheating your rice cooker or air conditioning as you approach, a level of automation that truly enhances daily life.

For those who prefer tactile controls, Xiaomi offers the option of adding a physical button row below the main screen. This flexible approach lets drivers decide between a sleek, minimalist look or quick access to essential functions. Magnetic fixtures throughout the cabin allow for various Xiaomi accessories, some even offering charging capabilities. Dual 80W wireless charging pads, a massive glove box, heated and ventilated front seats with 10-point massage, and zero-gravity recline complete a truly luxurious front cabin experience. Rear passengers aren’t forgotten either, with heated, electronically adjustable seats and thoughtful touches like an under-seat drawer and a surprisingly practical car fridge. The large panoramic roof, triple-layer silver-coated and dimmable, further enhances comfort by blocking heat and UV rays.

Driving Dynamics: Sporty Spirit, Comfortable Ride

The driving experience of the SU7 is remarkably versatile. Equipped with air suspension on higher trims, it glides comfortably in economy or comfort modes, making it an ideal daily driver. The double wishbone suspension at the front and five-link at the rear contribute to a refined ride quality. Yet, unleash the beast in sport mode, and the SU7 transforms. The sensitive accelerator pedal and engaging steering, coupled with an electronic engine sound that mimics a high-performance sports car, deliver a truly exhilarating experience. The low driving position for an SUV, with visible front wheel arches, further amplifies this sporty feel, almost like driving a Ferrari. In the Max version, the SU7 boasts a formidable 508 kW (approximately 681 horsepower) and 866 Nm of torque, propelling it from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 3.23 seconds. This power is matched by a substantial 101.7 kWh NMC battery, providing an impressive 760 km (CLTC) of range. Even with an average consumption of 15 kWh per 100 km, which is reasonable for an SUV of its size, range anxiety becomes a distant memory. A clever “new driver mode” also gently nerfs the accelerator and steering for those getting acquainted with its immense power, a thoughtful safety feature.

The Future is Autonomous: NOA and Thor

Beyond its impressive performance, the SU7 also integrates advanced autonomous capabilities. While not fully tested in this review, the presence of NOA (Navigation on Autopilot) functions and a Thor driver assistance chip, boasting 700 TOPS of computing power and a LiDAR unit, signifies Xiaomi’s commitment to autonomous driving. This suite promises sophisticated city and highway urban driving assistance, positioning the SU7 at the forefront of automotive innovation.

Redefining Expectations: Xiaomi’s Impact

The Xiaomi SU7 is a profound statement from a company that, just a few years ago, was exclusively a phone manufacturer. Its ability to blend high-performance driving with luxurious comfort, innovative technology, and practical design is genuinely astonishing. As Ford CEO Jim Farley famously enthused after driving Xiaomi’s SU7 sedan, these vehicles offer an experience comparable to high-end luxury sports cars, but at a fraction of the price. The SU7 isn’t just an EV; it’s a meticulously crafted machine that challenges established automotive giants, and those 300,000 pre-orders suggest a vast number of satisfied customers are on the horizon.

Could the only genuine flaw be something as trivial as navigation noises? If Xiaomi continues to produce vehicles of this caliber, the automotive landscape is certainly in for a dramatic shift. What do you think of the Xiaomi SU7? Is it the EV that will shake up the market, and would you want one in your driveway tomorrow?

Technical Specifications

Sources

• Xiaomi EV Official Website
• MotorTrend: Tesla Model Y Review
• Car and Driver: Porsche Taycan Review
• ZEEKR Global Official Website
• Ford Media: Jim Farley’s Comments on Chinese EVs
• TechDailyUpdate: BYD Sealion 7 vs. Tesla Model Y
• TechDailyUpdate: Autonomous Vehicles
• TechDailyUpdate: Smartphones Evolve
• TechDailyUpdate: AI Frontiers
• TechDailyUpdate: Digital Twins & AI