The latest revelations about the Xiaomi SU7's photo shoot in China have ignited anticipation and speculation in the electric vehicle (EV) community. Clad in a vibrant azure blue, the sleek sedan not only showcases its striking aesthetics but also hints at innovative features, such as a camera on the B-pillar, possibly designed for facial recognition technology.
Despite the excitement surrounding the SU7's photo shoot, a Chinese outlet now faces a substantial fine of 3 million yuan (420,000 USD) for breaching a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). The leaked images have provided enthusiasts with an early glimpse of what Xiaomi has been meticulously crafting behind closed doors.
In its top trim, the SU7 boasts a formidable 101 kWh battery, offering an impressive 800 km CLTC range, complemented by all-wheel drive (AWD) 495 kW motors. Xiaomi, however, recently quashed rumors of a December 28 conference to launch the EV and initiate pre-sales, affirming that while the date was under consideration, it was not finalized.
Xiaomi's foray into car manufacturing was officially announced nearly three years ago, in March 2021, with a commitment to invest 10 billion yuan (1.4 billion USD) and debut their first car by the first half of 2024. Lei Jun, co-founder and CEO of Xiaomi, emphasized the company's determination to succeed in the competitive automotive landscape, revealing that over 3,400 engineers were dedicated to the SU7 project.
Positioned to rival formidable competitors like the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S, the Xiaomi SU7 distinguishes itself with a pricing strategy reminiscent of its smartphone origins. Xiaomi gained prominence in 2011 by selling its first smartphone at nearly cost price through a direct sales model, avoiding resellers and disrupting industry norms.
The SU7's dimensions, slightly longer than the Porsche Taycan, measure 4997/1963/1455 mm (L/W/H), featuring a wheelbase of 3000 mm. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) recently disclosed powertrain options, including rear-wheel drive (RWD) with a 220 kW motor and AWD with a robust 495 kW (220 kW + 275 kW) power output. Two battery options, with capacities of 73.6 kWh and 101 kWh, promise impressive ranges and utilize advanced battery technologies from BYD and CATL.
As anticipation builds, the SU7 edges closer to its official launch, with trial production already underway at the BAIC Off-road Vehicle Co. factory in Beijing. Dozens of test vehicles have rolled off the production line, signaling the beginning of mass production in early 2024. While the official price remains undisclosed, industry insiders anticipate a competitive starting point of 26,650 USD, with the top trim level priced under 42,000 USD.
In conclusion, the Xiaomi SU7 represents not only the brand's bold entry into the electric vehicle market but also a potential disruptor with its blend of cutting-edge technology, impressive performance, and a strategic pricing approach.