Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi’s venture into the electric vehicle (EV) realm has garnered praise from Chris Bangle, the former design director at BMW. Bangle, renowned for his influential yet controversial tenure at BMW, has provided positive insights into Xiaomi’s all-electric sedan, the SU7.
After departing BMW in 2009, Bangle established the Chris Bangle Associates design studio and consultancy firm. Xiaomi has now enlisted Bangle’s expertise to assess the design of the SU7, as revealed in a video released by the tech company. Bangle commended the sedan’s balanced proportions and expressed admiration for its interior, noting that the SU7 avoids over-designing, and he lauded the design team for their accomplishment.
See also: Xiaomi Unveils First Electric Vehicle, Aims to Enter Top 5 Automakers
Former BMW design boss Chris Bangle in Xiaomi SU7 promotional video … pic.twitter.com/RShAlTK7j7
— Greg Kable (@GregKable) January 4, 2024
The video underscores the emotional appeal Bangle sees in the SU7, describing it as a pivotal entry point for Xiaomi. Notably, Sawyer Li, the head of design for Xiaomi EV, is a former BMW designer, carrying forward Bangle’s design legacy. Bangle envisions the SU7 as a fitting addition to Xiaomi’s trajectory, aligning with the brand’s direction.
Expressing his initial reaction, Bangle stated, “I see this vehicle for Xiaomi as being an emotional entry point. It’s kind of a crux point. My first reaction was, I think it fits the Xiaomi world, where they’re going […] This is the right start.”
See also: Xiaomi EV Adopts Mix of Direct and Dealer Sales for SU7 Model
Apart from its design, the SU7 showcases impressive performance metrics. With two motors generating 664 hp, the sedan can accelerate to 62 mph in 2.78 seconds. Its substantial 101 kWh battery allows for an impressive range of up to 497 miles per charge in its top trim. Bangle finds the SU7’s capabilities and design to be a promising initiation for Xiaomi in the competitive EV market.
The second echo of BMW in Xiaomi's car design team has just been revealed.
Look who entered the stage: Mr. Chris Bangle! Although it was already clear that Mr. Sawyer Li, also ex-BMW, was heading up the EV design department at Xiaomi Technology, we now have a second clear echo… pic.twitter.com/ubXLJuph8o
— Tom van Dillen (@vandillenpek) December 29, 2023
