Xiaomi SU7: Can China’s EV newcomer give Porsche problems?

With over 150 million smartphone sales to its name, tech giant Xiaomi has now turned its hand to making electric cars. Could this be the best EV brand you’ve never heard of? 

Xiaomi’s decision to start building cars might seem like a leap of faith, but it wouldn’t be the first time a manufacturer’s successfully pivoted their commercial focus. Peugeot, for example, started as a bicycle maker, Mazda: a cork producer, and BMW as an airplane builder – but we’ll leave you to google the details of that one.  

Judging by the exceptionally strong 89,000 Chinese orders it received in its first day on sale, it looks like Xiaomi might be about to pull off the same trick as those legacy marques. 

So, what is it about the new SU7 electric sports saloon that’s got people flocking for a spot on the order books? Firstly, it looks like the bargain of the century: in China, prices start from the equivalent of just £24,000, while the flagship high-performance model doesn’t even break £34,000. Wow.

You’re probably expecting us to caveat that insanely low price with “but it’s not very fast”, or “the range is sub-par” however, the opposite is true. All three specifications — SU7, SU7 Pro, and SU7 Max — offer commendable distances from plug to plug, and startling performance off the line.  

As for the raw data, the most powerful dual-motor Max will boast over 650 bhp and hurtle from rest to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds, which might even worry an airborne Taycan GTS. While those who like to venture further afield will be impressed by the Pro’s claimed 515-mile range — that’s nearly 100 miles more than the Porsche manages.  

Helping contribute to those exceptional numbers, standard Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres have been optimised to improve efficiency, reduce noise and, most importantly, maximise grip for high-performance applications like these.

It’s not what you’d call an eyesore, either. Sure, it’s not the most thrilling of shapes, but this doesn’t look like the work of a car-making newbie. With its low, long and smooth silhouette, it mimics a polished pebble – allowing it to scythe through the air with an impressively low 0.195 drag coefficient. 

A high level of autonomous driving tech is another of Xiaomi’s major lures. Given that developing hard and software is the company’s bread and butter, it’s not surprising that the SU7 sports some serious hands-off kit. For instance, a long-range LIDAR system has been extensively tested (over 10 million kilometers) and has the potential to "navigate smoothly in complex intersections” and “revolutionise traditional methods of perceiving road conditions.” Although, the extent to which such autonomy can be utilised on the public highway will depend on legislation and region.

Inside, user interfaces should be similarly seamless as the marque draws upon over a decade of tech experience. The suitably titled ‘Smart Cabin’ is said to prioritise a “human-centric” feel. In practice, this means a 16.1-inch 3K central console, a 56-inch HUD head-up display, and even optional tablets for rear seat passengers.  

It’s clear Xiaomi’s off to a strong start straight out of the gates, but it’s success in European markets will all hinge on price after exportation. Don’t be too shocked if the two and the four in that £24,000 entry price swap places if, and when, Xiaomi makes it to UK roads.  

If founder, Lei Jun, is to be believed “…one day, Xiaomi’s electric vehicles will be a familiar sight on roads around the world.” And, whether it’s a case of beginner’s luck, or a perfectly orchestrated foray into a new field, early indications suggest his vision might come to fruition.  

Would you buy a car from a mobile manufacturer? Let us know if you’d like to see other phone brands enter the automotive arena.

Hero image credit:  Xiaomi