Xiaomi, the Chinese smartphone giant, formally launched its first electric car, the Speed Ultra 7 (SU7) sedan, during an event in Beijing on Thursday. Xiaomi revealed that the SU7 models will be available at prices ranging from 215,900 RMB (about Rs 24.90 lakh) to 299,900 RMB (around Rs 34.59 lakh).
According to Lei Jun, Xiaomi’s CEO and founder, the SU7 has been showcased in 59 showrooms across 29 cities in mainland China since Monday.
SU7: Variants and Specs
The SU7 EV is available in four variants in China:
- Standard Version
The entry-level Xiaomi SU7 comes with a price tag of 215,900 RMB (₹24.90 lakh). The base model runs on BYD’s blade battery, which uses lithium iron phosphate chemistry.
Moreover, the vehicle boasts a 73.6 kWh capacity, resulting in a CLTC range of 700 km. The standard version, with 210 km/h top speed, can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.28 seconds.
- Pro Variant
The price for the Xiaomi SU7 Pro begins at 245,900 RMB (₹28.36 lakh). Operating on a single motor, the Xiaomi SU7 Pro is a rear-wheel drive.
Additionally, with a CATL Shenxing Battery offering a capacity of 94.3 kWh, the Pro variant can achieve an 830 km range.
- Max Version
The dual-motor, four-wheel-drive Max variant is available starting from 299,900 RMB (₹34.59 lakh). Equipped with a CATL Qilin Battery with a capacity of 101 kWh, the SU7 Max achieves an 800 km CLTC range.
Further, the Max edition generates 673 hp and 838 Nm of torque. In addition, with a 0 to 100 km/hr acceleration time of 2.78 seconds, it reaches the top speed of 265 km/h.
- Founders Edition
It’s worth noting that the Chinese brand is offering a limited Founders Edition for its EV. Limited to 5,000 units, Xiaomi is offering the edition at the Standard and Max variant prices.
SU7: Charging and Delivery
Based on the conventional 400 V platform, the standard variant operates at a voltage of 486 V. Therefore, with just a 15-minute charge, it can achieve a range of 350 km.
The higher SU7 model uses an 800 V platform with a voltage of 871 V. Thus, in just 15 minutes of charging, it can achieve a range of 510 km.
Notably, the Founders Edition will begin deliveries on April 3rd. Further, deliveries of the Standard and Max versions will commence by late April. Meanwhile, the Pro variant deliveries will start by the end of May.
SU7: Features and Design
Xiaomi SU7 features a 56-inch HUD (heads-up display) and supports wireless CarPlay and iPad connectivity.
The Chinese brand has divided its smart driving system into:
- Xiaomi Pilot Pro is based on a pure vision solution. The smart driving system uses a single Nvidia Drive Orin chip, delivering 84 Tops of computing power.
- Xiaomi Pilot Max has an extra LiDAR. Moreover, the system comes with two Drive Orin chips, delivering a total computing power of 508 Tops.
The SU7 EV offers three wheel size options, ranging from 19 to 20 inches and 21 inches. Furthermore, the exterior design of the EV contributes to a low coefficient of drag, reaching as low as 0.195 Cd.
SU7: Competition in China
Xiaomi is aiming its EV towards the premium consumer market. The standard SU7 is considerably cheaper than the Tesla’s Model S sedan, 698,900 RMB (₹80.6 lakh). However, in terms of price, SU7 will compete with BYD’s Han, 209,800 RMB (₹24.19 lakh).
Presently, there are over 200 leading manufacturers actively producing pure EVs and plug-in hybrids. Thus, in response to declining consumer demand for EVs, companies engaged in a price war last year to increase sales.
