Xiaomi SU7 electric sedan will go on sale on March 28

Xiaomi, the electronics magnate known for its budget-friendly smartphones and smart home gadgets, is finally ready for a different kind of battle. After years of anticipation, the Chinese tech giant is finally launching its first-ever electric vehicle, the sleek SU7 sedan, on March 28th.

The SU7 will be available for customer test drives starting on the 25th of March, and reservations are already open. Those interested can view the show car at any of the 59 stores across 29 Chinese cities.

Pricing remains a major point of speculation for the SU7. While Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun hinted it might be "a bit expensive," industry leaks suggest a starting price between RMB 250,000 and RMB 370,000 (around $35,000 - $52,000). This premium pricing would pit the SU7 against established competitors like the Tesla Model 3. It's a brave move, as Xiaomi must convince buyers that the SU7's promised technology and seamless user experience justify the cost amidst a crowded, price-sensitive EV market.

Xiaomi isn't just entering the electric car market; they're stepping into a brutal arena. The Chinese EV landscape is intensely competitive, with established automakers locked in a relentless price war, slashing prices to attract customers. This dynamic market sees new models emerge regularly, offering consumers ever more choices.

Xiaomi, however, isn't intimidated. They insist they're "fully prepared" for the challenge, seemingly confident their technological expertise and existing customer base give them a fighting chance. Analysts are keenly watching to see if Xiaomi can leverage its success in the smartphone industry to gain traction with car buyers.

The SU7 isn't just another run-of-the-mill EV. Banking on its established strengths, Xiaomi aims to provide a driving experience unmatched by rivals. Their plan? Seamless connectivity. The company promises an experience where your car isn't just a mode of transport but a synchronized extension of your phone and smart home, creating a truly personalized user experience.

This focus on technology could be their winning strategy. In a market increasingly focused on smart features, Xiaomi's reputation for innovation and tech-savvy consumers could translate into a significant advantage over traditional carmakers.

The base Xiaomi SU7 packs a punch with a rear-wheel drive motor generating 299 PS of output and 295 lb-ft of torque. That translates to a brisk 0-62 mph acceleration time of 5.3 seconds and a respectable top speed of 130 mph. With dimensions of 196.7 inches in length, 77.3 inches in width, and 57.3 inches in height, the SU7 promises a roomy interior. Additionally, Xiaomi boasts an impressive CLTC range of 415 miles from its base model, courtesy of a 73.6 kWh battery pack.

The performance-focused model features a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain. With a combined output of 673 PS, SU7 Max rockets from 0-62 mph in a blistering 2.8 seconds and on to its top speed of 165 mph. Xiaomi touts a hefty 101 kWh battery pack for this version, promising a CLTC range of 510 miles. This focus on performance and extended range likely aims to directly compete with high-performance EVs from established players, hinting at even more potent (and expensive) versions of the SU7 in the future.

SU7's interior promises a driver-centric design with cutting-edge technology at the forefront. A large center screen with crisp 3K resolution and a flat-bottom steering wheel lend a sporty vibe, while the center console seems inspired by modern Tesla design. Xiaomi will reportedly employ the powerful Snapdragon 8295 chip to power the infotainment system. This, combined with leaks suggesting extensive voice and gesture controls, hints at the goal of creating a seamless, highly responsive interface integrated with Xiaomi's ecosystem of smart devices.

The SU7 certainly looks promising. However, in China's price-sensitive EV market, its success hinges on strategically finding the sweet spot between desirable features and competitive pricing.

Via