Xiaomi's foray into the electric vehicle market has taken a significant leap with the launch of the high-performance SU7 Ultra sedan in China, setting a new benchmark for power and speed. This formidable electric vehicle (EV) boasts an astonishing 1,526 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 1.98 seconds, positioning it as a serious contender in the performance EV segment. With a starting price of 529,900 yuan ($72,830), Xiaomi aims to deliver 10,000 units of the SU7 Ultra in 2025, commencing deliveries in April of that year.
The SU7 Ultra builds upon the success of the regular Xiaomi SU7, which debuted in March 2024 with a price range of $21,600 to $41,150. Leveraging Xiaomi's strong brand recognition in China, the SU7 quickly became a popular choice among consumers, amassing significant sales and order numbers. By the end of 2024, the company had secured over 248,000 locked orders, demonstrating the immense demand for its electric sedan.
The SU7 Ultra, representing the pinnacle of the SU7 lineup, initially entered presales in late October 2024 with a price tag of $111,790. This price point, deliberately inflated, served to gauge customer response and market sentiment. The SU7 Ultra prototype had already established its performance credentials by becoming the fastest four-door sedan at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and later, the mass-produced variant secured the fastest lap time at the Chengdu Tianfu Circuit.
Visually, the SU7 Ultra retains the core design language of the standard SU7, but with several enhancements that emphasize its performance-oriented nature. These include a larger front spoiler, upgraded brakes, and a more pronounced rear spoiler. The SU7 Ultra also features a wider body and is available in five distinct colors: Black, White, Yellow, Silver, and Green. Adding a touch of exclusivity, the vehicle incorporates golden accents, including a 24-carat gold emblem on the front fascia.
The SU7 Ultra's dimensions are 5115/1970/1465 mm, with a wheelbase of 3000 mm. The rear spoiler, measuring 1,560 mm in width and 240 mm in cord length, works in conjunction with an active rear diffuser to generate 285 kg of downforce at high speeds, enhancing stability and handling.
Inside, the SU7 Ultra showcases a lavish use of carbon fiber, covering 17 locations and totaling 3.74 square meters. When combined with exterior components, the carbon fiber coverage reaches 5.5 square meters. The interior also features sporty Alcantara-covered seats, a gear shifter behind the steering wheel, and a large center console display. Alcantara is used extensively throughout the cabin, covering 5 square meters, including the steering wheel, seats, door cards, and dashboard. This material, lighter than traditional leather and less reflective, contributes to both performance and comfort.
The SU7 Ultra's technological prowess extends to its intelligent driving system, which employs three LiDARs, twelve cameras, and five millimeter-wave radars. This advanced system supports Navigation On Autopilot (NOA) and valet parking, with an advanced self-parking system, Xiaomi HAD, scheduled for release in March 2025. The HAD system, trained using 10 million clips, also incorporates an autonomous emergency braking system.
Performance-wise, the SU7 Ultra is equipped with 21-inch wheels, Pirelli P Zero 5 tires, and massive 430-mm carbon ceramic brake discs at the front, the largest found on any sports car to date. The rear brake discs measure 410 mm. The car uses Akebono 6-piston calipers in the front and 4-piston calipers in the rear. The SU7 Ultra also features a dual-chamber air suspension system and a track-version cooling system.
The SU7 Ultra boasts a tri-motor setup, with a single 386 hp front motor and dual 570 hp rear motors, delivering a combined output of 1,526 hp and 1,770 Nm of torque. The rear motors can achieve a maximum speed of 27,200 rpm. The car is powered by a CATL-made Qilin 2.0 ternary NMC battery pack with a capacity of 93.7 kWh, providing a CLTC range of 620 km and enabling rapid charging.
Despite the initial presale price of $111,790, Xiaomi ultimately launched the SU7 Ultra at a significantly lower 529,900 yuan ($72,830), demonstrating its commitment to competitive pricing. With its exceptional performance, advanced technology, and competitive price, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is poised to achieve its ambitious sales targets.