Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has officially unveiled its first electric vehicle, the Xiaomi SU7. The vehicle was revealed through a filing with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in China, which requires all new cars to be approved by the regulator before hitting the market. The filing provides details on the car’s specifications, including its dimensions, powertrain options, and interior features.
Design and Specifications
The Xiaomi SU7 is an electric sedan with dimensions of 4997/1963/1455 mm and a wheelbase of 3000 mm. The vehicle will be available with two wheel options, 19-inch and 20-inch, with tire specifications of 245/45 R19 and 245/40 R20, respectively. Xiaomi has also shown two versions of the car: with lidar and without. Lidar is a type of laser sensor that can be used to detect objects around the vehicle. The lidar sensor on the Xiaomi SU7 is installed behind the front windshield.
Powertrain and Battery
The Xiaomi SU7 will be available with two powertrain options: a rear-wheel drive (RWD) model with a 220 kW motor and an all-wheel drive (AWD) model with a 495 kW maximum power (220 kW + 275 kW). The RWD model will have a top speed of 210 km/h and a curb weight of 1,980 kg. The AWD model will have a top speed of 265 km/h and a curb weight of 2,205 kg.
The Xiaomi SU7 will also be available with two battery options: a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack from BYD for cheaper trim levels and a ternary NMC battery pack from CATL for more expensive trim levels.
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Interior Features
The Xiaomi SU7 will come with a number of advanced interior features, including an active rear wing, an ETC function (which allows drivers to automatically pay tolls on toll roads without stopping the car), and Xiaomi’s HyperOS infotainment system. HyperOS is an in-house developed operating system that can power both smartphones and cars.
Production and Availability
The Xiaomi SU7 is expected to start mass production in December 2023 and deliveries are expected to begin in February 2024. The vehicle will be manufactured by BAIC Off-road Vehicle Co., Ltd. at its factory in Beijing. BAIC is a Chinese automaker that also produces Mercedes-Benz cars in China under the joint venture Beijing-Benz.
Xiaomi’s Entry into the EV Market
Xiaomi’s decision to enter the EV market is a major development in the Chinese automotive industry. The company is one of the world’s largest smartphone makers, and it is hoping to leverage its expertise in electronics and software to develop EVs that are both affordable and technologically advanced. The Xiaomi SU7 is a promising first step in Xiaomi’s EV ambitions.
