At this year's MWC in Barcelona, we witnessed how Xiaomi, the technology giant known for innovative smartphones and smart home solutions, ushered in a new era: the launch of its first car, the Xiaomi SU7 and SU7 Max. We captured our first impressions of the Xiaomi SU7 Max in this short video on YouTube Shorts. In an impressive presentation, Xiaomi unveiled models packed with self-developed technologies - from revolutionary electric motors to advanced battery systems and innovative die-casting technology. These moves into the automotive industry not only mark Xiaomi's drive to expand, but also their determination to help shape the mobility of tomorrow. Our first impression on site? Xiaomi could redefine the rules of electromobility with its combination of technological expertise and the pursuit of quality.
Xiaomi SU7 and Xiaomi SU7 Max: Not smartphones, but cars!
Xiaomi enters the automotive market with two exciting models, the SU7 and SU7 Max, showing its ambitions in a new segment. The SU7 features a sporty design that has parallels to established electric vehicles such as the Porsche Taycan, appealing to a wide audience that values both aesthetics and functionality. The SU7 Max, as the more powerful of the two models, is aimed at enthusiasts looking for a combination of high-end performance and advanced technologies. Both vehicles underline Xiaomi's ambition to make a name for itself in the automotive sector through a mix of well-known design elements and innovative technology.
Car features
1. In-house developed technologies
Xiaomi pursues a philosophy of innovation and independence with its new car models. At the heart of this revolution are self-developed technologies that set the company apart from other players in the market. Particularly noteworthy are the advanced electric motor, the pioneering battery technology and the efficient die-casting technology. These components are not only examples of Xiaomi's technical expertise, but also of their commitment to making a lasting impact on the automotive industry.
2. Electric motor
At the center of technical innovation is the HyperEngine V8s engine, a masterpiece of engineering. With an impressive speed of up to 27,200 rpm, an output of 425 kW and a maximum torque of 635 Nm, this engine sets new standards. This power allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.78 seconds and reach a top speed of 265 km/h. For different needs and preferences, Xiaomi also offers the HyperEngine V6 and V6s variants, with 299 HP and 374 HP respectively.
3. Battery technology
Xiaomi's battery technology stands for innovation and efficiency. By implementing Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology, combined with Inverted Cell Technology and an elastic intermediate layer, Xiaomi achieves an impressive efficiency of 77.8%. This technology not only reduces wiring, but also enables a battery capacity of 150 kWh, which theoretically enables a range of over 1200 kilometers.
4. Autonomous driving
Xiaomi's commitment to autonomous driving is underlined by the integration of two NVIDIA Orin high-performance chips with 508 TOPS computing power.These are complemented by a comprehensive set of sensors, including LiDAR, eleven cameras, three millimeter-wave radars and twelve ultrasonic radars, which enable precise perception of the environment and thus ensure the highest level of safety and comfort.
5. Smart Cabin
The Smart Cabin of Xiaomi cars redefines the driving experience. A 16.1-inch main touch display with 3K resolution, a 56-inch head-up display and a pivoting 7.1-inch driver information display provide interactive access to vehicle functions and entertainment. In addition, two tablet holders on the front seats provide additional comfort.
6. Quick start and powerful in-car chip
The on-board electronics of Xiaomi cars are ready in record time: the operating system starts just 1.49 seconds after unlocking the car door. This is made possible by the powerful Snapdragon 8295 chip, which not only ensures a quick start with an AI computing power of up to 30 TOPS, but also enables the linking of up to five different screens.
7. Design and integration
Xiaomi's cars are presented in an elegant blue and run on the company's own Hyper OS, which enables seamless integration with Xiaomi's smartphones and other smart products. The external design, characterized by numerous cameras and clear lines, reflects the high standards of aesthetics and functionality.
These features taken together make Xiaomi's new cars an impressive demonstration of what's possible when innovative technologies meet advanced design.
Market launch and price of Xiaomi cars
Xiaomi made the automotive world sit up and take notice with the presentation of its first vehicles, the SU7 and SU7 Max, at MWC 2024 in Barcelona. The market launch is planned for this year, although the exact dates are still pending. Initial focus will be on the Chinese market, with plans to launch in additional countries later. Pricing details remain under wraps, but expectations point to higher-end positioning. This strategy reflects Xiaomi's desire to impress with high-quality technology and innovative features without providing specific price information.
Conclusion: Does Xiaomi have potential as a car manufacturer?
After we had the opportunity to see Xiaomi's latest car models up close in Barcelona, anticipation remains high, even if it will probably be a while before we see these innovations on Europe's roads. Xiaomi is entering the automotive market with remarkable technological advances and a clear focus on in-house development, which has the potential to have a lasting impact on the industry. The integration of cutting-edge technology in electric motors, battery systems and autonomous driving functions in particular sets new standards. In my opinion, Xiaomi's entry into the automotive sector highlights the growing fusion of technology and mobility and could provide serious competition to established manufacturers. For potential buyers, this means an expansion of the range to include vehicles that are not only equipped with the latest technology, but also promise a unique driving experience.
