Xiaomi SU7 Review: The Chinese EV That's Challenging Tesla

The Xiaomi SU7 is making waves in the global auto industry as one of the most impressive Chinese electric vehicles to date. As a Model 3 Performance competitor priced in the low $40,000 range, it offers incredible value and features that rival or surpass many Western EVs. Let's take a closer look at what makes the SU7 so noteworthy.

Exterior Design and Build Quality

The SU7 has a sleek, modern exterior design that doesn't directly mimic any particular brand, though some have noted Porsche-like styling cues. Build quality appears to be very good, with tight panel gaps and a solid overall feel. The car features:

• Frameless doors with high-quality mirrors
• A large glass roof
• An active rear spoiler
• 19" or 20" wheel options

While there were some early reports of paint and body fitment issues on initial production models, Xiaomi seems to be quickly addressing these growing pains. Overall, the SU7 presents as a premium vehicle that belies its relatively affordable price point.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the SU7 truly shines with its mix of premium materials and cutting-edge technology:

• High-quality leather, wood, and suede-like materials throughout
• A 16.1" central touchscreen with snappy performance
• A digital instrument cluster and large head-up display
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• A refrigerated compartment in the rear center console

The interior design and quality rival much more expensive luxury vehicles. The central touchscreen runs Xiaomi's custom software, which is highly responsive and feature-rich. It includes:

• Over-the-air update capability
• Customizable drive modes
• Detailed energy consumption data
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

One unique feature is the ability to integrate with other Xiaomi smart devices and appliances, creating an ecosystem similar to Apple's.

Powertrain and Performance

The SU7 Max model tested features a dual-motor AWD setup producing around 670 horsepower. Key specs include:

• 0-60 mph in low 3-second range
• Top speed of 165 mph
• 100 kWh battery pack (NMC chemistry)
• Range of approximately 300-350 miles (estimated)
• 800V architecture enabling up to 280 kW DC fast charging

Acceleration is impressive, with strong pull throughout the speed range. The SU7 offers multiple drive modes, including a "boost" function for maximum performance. While not quite as quick as a Model 3 Performance, it's very close and offers a more refined driving experience overall.

Driving Dynamics

One area where many Chinese EVs have fallen short is in driving dynamics and suspension tuning. The SU7 breaks this trend, offering a well-sorted chassis that balances comfort and performance:

• Compliant ride quality that absorbs bumps well
• Minimal body roll in corners
• Precise steering with good feedback
• Strong brakes, though they can feel a bit grabby at times

The suspension offers adaptive damping, and the car can be configured with an optional air suspension for even greater comfort and adjustability. Overall, the SU7 drives more like a premium European sports sedan than most would expect from a Chinese EV manufacturer.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

The SU7 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including:

• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
• Lane centering and automatic lane changes
• Automated parking (including the ability to park itself after the driver exits)
• 360-degree camera system

While we weren't able to fully test all of these features due to the car not being connected to Xiaomi's servers outside of China, the systems that were operational worked smoothly and intuitively. The level of capability seems to rival Tesla's Autopilot system, though more extensive testing would be needed to make a definitive comparison.

Charging and Range

With its 800V electrical architecture, the SU7 is capable of very fast charging speeds:

• Up to 280 kW DC fast charging
• 10-80% charge in approximately 20 minutes
• 22 kW AC charging capability

The large 100 kWh battery pack should provide ample range for most users, likely in the 300-350 mile range under normal driving conditions. It's worth noting that Xiaomi is planning an even more advanced "Ultra" version of the SU7 that will offer 500 kW charging and a 10-80% charge time of just 11 minutes.

Value Proposition

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the SU7 is its pricing. In China, the Max trim level tested here starts around $40,000 USD. Even accounting for potential price increases if it were to be exported, the SU7 offers an incredible amount of car for the money. It matches or exceeds the Tesla Model 3 in many areas while undercutting it on price.

Some factors contributing to this aggressive pricing may include:

• Government subsidies and support for EV manufacturers in China
• A more mature EV supply chain in China
• Xiaomi's ability to leverage its existing technology and manufacturing expertise

Regardless of the reasons, the end result is a vehicle that offers premium features and performance at a mainstream price point.

Areas for Improvement

While the SU7 is impressive overall, there are a few areas where it could be improved:

• The emergency braking system can be overly sensitive at times
• Wind and road noise levels are higher than some competitors at highway speeds
• Some may find the frequent voice prompts from the driver assistance system annoying
• Long-term reliability and battery longevity are still unknown factors

Many of these issues could potentially be addressed through software updates or minor hardware tweaks in future production runs.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi SU7 represents a new high water mark for Chinese EVs. It combines cutting-edge technology, impressive performance, and premium features in a package that significantly undercuts Western competitors on price. While it may not be perfect, it's a clear sign that Chinese automakers are rapidly closing the gap with established players.

For consumers in markets where the SU7 is available, it presents a compelling alternative to vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 or BMW i4. Its blend of performance, technology, and value make it a strong contender in the premium electric sedan segment.

The broader implications for the auto industry are significant. If Chinese manufacturers can continue to produce vehicles of this caliber at such competitive price points, it will put immense pressure on Western automakers to innovate and reduce costs. The SU7 serves as a wake-up call that the next wave of automotive disruption may well come from China.

While import restrictions and tariffs may limit the SU7's availability in some markets like the United States, its influence will likely be felt globally. Other automakers will undoubtedly be benchmarking the SU7 and working to match its combination of features and value.

Ultimately, the Xiaomi SU7 demonstrates that the future of electric vehicles is arriving faster than many anticipated, and it's coming from some unexpected places. For EV enthusiasts and the auto industry as a whole, this is an exciting development that promises to accelerate innovation and competition in the years to come.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/ET_OI59TLGY?feature=shared