The Xiaomi SU7 is a small revolution in the world of electric cars. In an exclusive preview, Automobile-Propre was able to discover it at one of the brand’s showrooms in Shanghai, China.
Apple, Dyson… while some tech giants have already had the ambition to launch an electric car, the Chinese company Xiaomi has the merit of having followed through with its idea. Presented with great fanfare last March, the Xiaomi SU7 generated 100,000 orders just 48 hours after its launch… A resounding success for this large sedan that the manufacturer displays in its network of branches in China. Present in Shanghai for another media event, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to present it to you.
The Xiaomi SU7 in terms of style: the Chinese Taycan
After trying to identify – not without difficulty – the brand’s branches displaying the car, we head to the Jing’an district, where the brand has a showroom in one of the city’s many malls. Stroke of luck: this showroom presented two versions of the car: the entry-level and the Max version, with all-wheel drive. An experience somewhat unique as the cars are displayed alongside smartphones, tablets, and other household appliances. Meeting the Xiaomi SU7 is a bit like going to see an electric car at Darty (you might argue that there’s the Citroën AMI, but we’re not playing in the same league…).
We discovered the Xiaomi SU7 at one of the brand’s branches in the Jing’an district.
With a length of 4.997 m, a width of 1.963 m, and a height of 1.455 m (1.440 m in the Max version), the Xiaomi SU7 fits into the segment of large sedans that the Chinese are particularly fond of. Its size is closer to a Porsche Taycan (4.96 m) or a Tesla Model S (5.02 m) than a Tesla Model 3 (4.72 m).
The Xiaomi SU7 in its base version.
Overall, the aesthetics are quite successful. The lines are fluid, and our preference naturally goes to the Max version, adorned in a splendid turquoise color. From the outside, the differences between the two versions are not huge. Besides its color and “Max” inserts, the high-end version receives more intricate wheels where the base version has solid wheels. Less attractive, but probably more aerodynamic. Mirror, rear window, door frame, front fenders… Our two models are packed with sensors and cameras. The SU7 Max, however, stands out with the presence of an imposing integrated LIDAR on the upper part of the windshield, synonymous with advanced driving aids.
Regarding the lighting, both versions have LED lights and a wide light strip at the rear. At the back, a spoiler can be raised, giving a sporty look to the whole. This function is probably activatable via the central screen. Xiaomi has paid attention to detail, especially with the small aluminum plate. Reminding of the power and torque, it is only revealed when the spoiler is raised.
In terms of the trunk, a simple button activates the electric opening. Although not extremely high, the trunk offers 517 liters of cargo volume (493 liters in the Max version). It is complemented by a 105-liter frunk that can easily accommodate the equivalent of a carry-on bag. A point that might annoy some: the Xiaomi SU7 lacks a tailgate. While the rear seat is foldable in two thirds, one third, transporting large items will be difficult.
The detail that doesn’t go unnoticed
Some of you may have noticed in the video. Several times, we had to deal with the coming and going of customers during our filming. Every time a door closed, the cabin shook. Contrary to what we initially thought, the Chinese folks are not rough. Simply put, the doors make a terrible noise when closed. Although it’s just a detail, it doesn’t feel very “premium”!
Three available versions
While only two versions were present at the showroom during our visit, the Xiaomi SU7 is available in three technical configurations:
- SU7: in rear-wheel drive, this base version combines a 220 kW motor with a 73.6 kWh battery. The range is given as 700 km and the top speed as 210 km/h
- SU7 Pro: this version uses the same motor, but with a battery capacity increased to 94.3 kWh. The range then increases to 830 km on a single charge.
- SU7 Max: switching to an all-wheel drive configuration with a total power of 495 kW and a 0 to 100 km/h time of less than 3 seconds. The battery capacity increases to 101 kWh.
Important note: the range values are communicated in the CLTC cycle. As per Chinese standards, this cycle shows higher results than the WLTP in Europe. Taking into account a difference of around 15% between CLTC and WLTP, the estimated WLTP range of the Xiaomi SU7 is approximately 600 km for the base version and 680-700 km for the other two versions. Xiaomi also mentions on its website a 150 kWh pack that would increase the range to 1200 km, again in the CLTC cycle.
In terms of software, there are some differences. While the base SU7 has a single Nvidia Orin processor, the Pro and Max variants have two. According to the technical data provided by the brand, the computing power increases from 84 to 508 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second).
For charging, the port is located on the rear left side. Following Chinese standards, this Xiaomi SU7 has two ports: one for AC and one for DC. This configuration is reminiscent of the Japanese CHAdeMO standard. Rest assured: like other Chinese brands, Xiaomi will likely adapt to the European Combo standard if it were to be commercialized in Europe. The manufacturer does not provide specific charging power details. However, it is known that the SU7 Max will be the fastest to charge. According to the manufacturer, it will take just 15 minutes to regain the equivalent of 510 km of range on the SU7 Max, facilitated by its 800-volt architecture. For the first two versions, it will be only 350 km.
| SU7 | SU7 Pro | SU7 Max | |
| Architecture | 400V | 400V | 800V |
| Power | 220 kW | 220 kW | 495 kW |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 400 Nm | 838 Nm |
| Max Speed | 210 km/h | 210 km/h | 265 km/h |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 5.28 s | 5.7 s | 2.78 s |
| Battery | 73.6 kWh | 94.3 kWh | 101 kWh |
| Range CLTC | 700 km | 830 km | 800 km |
| Range WLTP (estimated) | 600 km | 700 km | 680 km |
| Charge (km gained in 15 min) | 350 km | 350 km | 510 km |
Onboard: a luxury electric sedan
If the Xiaomi SU7 had already been presented at the end of February at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the manufacturer had not opened the doors. This has now been done in China where the brand provides full access to its car, except for test drives, which are not yet offered.
As usual, we start our tour with a look at the rear seats. With a 3-meter wheelbase, the space offered is generously proportioned. Without a central tunnel, Xiaomi’s electric car had no trouble accommodating our six-foot tall friend. The knee and elbow space is generous, and the bench can accommodate 3 passengers. Of note, the Max version also included tablet holders with a clever device that attaches to the back of the seat.
