If you haven’t yet become familiar with Xiaomi, now might be the time. The Beijing-based tech giant, primarily recognized for its smartphones and tablets, is quickly making waves in the automotive industry. Already the third-largest phone manufacturer, trailing only behind Apple and Samsung, Xiaomi ventured into the electric vehicle (EV) sector in 2021. Just three years later, the introduction of the Xiaomi SU7 made a significant impact in China.
The SU7 Ultra, a high-performance variant, notably achieved the title of fastest four-door car around the Nürburgring. The entire SU7 lineup recently underwent a mid-cycle update to maintain competitiveness in China’s dynamic EV marketplace. Xiaomi is not content to be seen as merely another player riding the EV wave. The brand aims high, having established an R&D center in Germany, recruited top talent from European automakers, and set a bold goal of rising to the ranks of the world’s top five automakers within twenty years.
On a recent visit to China, I had the opportunity to drive the revamped 2027 Xiaomi SU7. The experience left a lasting impression, considering the value offered. Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, the SU7 emphasizes refinement, performance, and cutting-edge technology, traditionally available only from premium brands, but at a significantly reduced cost. Xiaomi’s aspirations are evident, as the SU7 seems intent on challenging the Porsche Taycan.
Let’s Cut to the Chase
The Xiaomi SU7 series comprises four trims: SU7, SU7 Pro, SU7 Max, and the flagship SU7 Ultra. My time was mainly spent with the SU7 Max, but I also had a chance to test the Ultra on a track. Stay tuned for an in-depth review of that experience.
Even the basic models deliver impressive performance. The SU7 and SU7 Pro, both with rear motors, offer 315 horsepower and 372 lb-ft of torque. The dual-motor SU7 Max boosts these numbers to 681 hp and 639 lb-ft. The Ultra, however, stands out with a tri-motor configuration, delivering a remarkable 1,526 hp and 1,305 lb-ft of torque.
With its diverse powertrain options, the SU7 doesn’t fit neatly against a single competitor. The base, Pro, and Max versions are often compared to the Tesla Model 3 and Model 3 Performance. On the other hand, the SU7 Ultra’s performance and luxury ambitions position it closer to the Porsche Taycan.
Pricing is where Xiaomi has shown strategic aggression. In China’s highly competitive EV market, Xiaomi launched the SU7 at a price about $3,000 lower than a comparable Model 3. The price difference widens with higher trims, with the SU7 Max priced around $5,000 less than the Model 3 Performance.
The SU7 Ultra particularly stands out when compared to the Taycan, not just in terms of performance. While the Ultra starts at approximately $73,000 in China, the Taycan Turbo—a powerful variant—comes in at about $230,000. This substantial price difference, coupled with the Ultra’s 654 additional horsepower, explains why Xiaomi is garnering substantial attention.
Original Story at www.motortrend.com