At a launch event in Beijing, Xiaomi unveiled its first electric vehicle (EV), the SU7 electric sedan, aiming to challenge Tesla’s dominance in the market with a compelling combination of lower prices and superior features.
The SU7 is a mid-to-large-sized sedan, boasting dimensions of 4,997 mm in length, 1,963 mm in width, and 1,440/1,455 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm. In comparison, the Tesla Model 3 available in China measures 4,720 mm in length, 1,848 mm in width, 1,442 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,875 mm.
Xiaomi’s SU7 lineup includes Standard and Pro versions built on the regular 400 V platform, while the Max version is built on an 800 V platform, enabling faster charging. The Standard and Pro variants offer 350 kilometers of range on a 15-minute charge, while the Max variant boasts 510 kilometers of range in the same timeframe.
The Standard SU7 is equipped with BYD’s blade battery based on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, offering a capacity of 73.6 kWh and a CLTC range of 700 kilometers. The Pro version features Shenxing Battery from CATL based on LFP chemistry, with a capacity of 94.3 kWh and a CLTC range of 830 kilometers. The SU7 Max is powered by CATL Qilin Battery, offering a capacity of 101 kWh and a CLTC range of 800 kilometers.
Performance-wise, the Standard and Pro variants are single-motor rear-wheel-drive models with 0-100 km/h times of 5.28 seconds and 5.7 seconds, respectively. The Max version, powered by dual motors, can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.78 seconds.
Xiaomi’s smart driving system, divided into Xiaomi Pilot Pro and Xiaomi Pilot Max, offers advanced assisted driving features. The Xiaomi Pilot Max system, which includes LiDAR technology, will undergo user testing in April and will be available nationwide in August.
Lei Jun, founder, chairman, and CEO of Xiaomi, expressed confidence in the SU7’s competitive positioning, stating, “The pricing of the SU7, significantly lower than that of the Tesla Model 3, demonstrates our commitment to the EV space.”
Xiaomi’s foray into the EV market comes amidst increasing competition in China’s EV sector, with numerous models available from various manufacturers. Despite this, Xiaomi believes it is well-prepared for the challenge, with plans to become one of the world’s top 5 carmakers within 15-20 years.
