Xiaomi has rolled back a controversial software update for its SU7 Ultra electric vehicle after owners expressed frustration over unexpected performance limitations. The version 1.7.0 update restricted the vehicle’s power output from 1,526 hp (1,138 kW) to approximately 888 hp (662 kW), unless users met specific driving criteria.
The SU7 Ultra, which sits at the top of Xiaomi’s EV lineup, had gained attention for offering performance rivaling the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT at a fraction of the cost. However, following the latest update, full power became accessible only after completing a verified qualifying lap on a Xiaomi-approved track, using the car’s built-in Qualifying Mode assessment, according to Car News China.
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The software also imposed a 60-second delay before activating launch control, limiting the vehicle’s real-world usability, especially for spontaneous high-performance driving. Xiaomi justified the restrictions by citing safety concerns, stating that the full power output was intended for track use and should be unlocked only by drivers with demonstrated capability.
“We appreciate the passionate feedback from our community and will ensure better transparency moving forward,” a Xiaomi representative told Car News China. The company has since removed the limitations and pledged to communicate more clearly about future software changes.
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The incident has highlighted growing tensions in the EV market around software-defined vehicle features, where post-sale performance changes can alter the original product experience. While some customers supported Xiaomi’s safety-oriented approach, others criticized the update as a breach of consumer expectations for vehicles advertised with specific capabilities.
