Xiaomi gives the next-gen SU7 major chassis and safety upgrades

17 March 2026

Only two years after the first model arrived, the technology giant Xiaomi is launching a refreshed version of its sedan. The 2026 Xiaomi SU7 arrives in showrooms this week, and the official launch happens on March 19. While the car looks similar to the old one, the changes under the metal are significant - Xiaomi focused on making the car handle better and keeping passengers safer.

One of the biggest changes involves how the car rides on the road. For the Pro and Max versions, Xiaomi now includes a closed dual-chamber air suspension system paired with the Continuous Damping Control dampers. Together, they let the car change how soft or stiff it feels while driving. The driver can now choose a comfortable ride for bumpy city streets or a firm ride for fast turns on a highway.

Stopping the car is just as important as making it go fast. Xiaomi decided to give every version of the 2026 SU7 better brakes. The car now comes standard with four-piston fixed calipers on the front wheels. If you choose the top-tier Max model, you get Brembo calipers and drilled and vented brake discs to help them stay cool.

Xiaomi changed the wheels and tires as well. Every model now uses wider 265mm tires on the back wheels. The front tires measure 245mm. These wider rear tires provide more grip and the car also has new 20-inch wheels that give it a fresh look. Between the better suspension and the wider tires, the new SU7 should feel much more stable during high-speed driving.

Safety is another area where the 2026 Xiaomi SU7 sees big improvements. The body of the car uses a mix of steel and aluminum designed like a strong cage. In the most important parts of the frame, Xiaomi used ultra-high-strength steel that can withstand 2200 MPa of pressure. To protect people inside during a crash, the company added more airbags. There are now nine airbags in total, including new ones for the passengers in the back seats.

Since the battery pack sits at the bottom of the car, it is vulnerable to rocks or debris. Xiaomi addressed this by adding a very strong crossbeam made of 1500 MPa steel. They also applied a special coating to the bottom of the battery. The company claims this coating makes the battery ten times harder to scratch or tear than before.

Performance remains a strong point, and the 2026 models get the V6s Plus electric motors. The Standard version produces 320 horsepower, while the Max version jumps all the way to 690 horsepower. These cars also use a high-voltage system that helps them charge faster. The Standard and Pro models use a 752V system, but the Max model uses a 897V system.

Drivers who worry about how far they can go on a single charge will like the new numbers. The Standard model offers a range of 447 miles. The Pro version goes even further, reaching 560 miles on a full battery. Xiaomi refined the front grille and body shape, and the car now has a drag coefficient of 0.21, which helps the car travel further using less energy.

Inside the cabin, Xiaomi listened to what customers wanted. Some people found the door handles on the old car confusing. The new model features "triple-redundant" handles. This means there are three ways to open the door, including a physical handle that works even if the car loses power. The interior also gets a new "Midnight Black" color option and better materials on the dashboard. A new light system wraps around the cabin to make it feel more expensive.

The 2026 Xiaomi SU7 is priced between RMB 229,900 (£24,000) and RMB 309,900 (£32,400). For that price, buyers also get advanced technology like LiDAR and 4D radar as standard equipment. Xiaomi founder Lei Jun says this car is the result of two years of extra work to make the company's first car even better. With better brakes, a stronger frame, and a much better suspension, the new SU7 seems to be a no-brainer for many Chinese EV buyers.

Via