Xiaomi already has its own car

The Chinese multinational Xiaomi , famous for its mobile phones , has unveiled its own electric vehicle. Xiaomi's car has been named the SU7 (initials of " speed ultra ") and was produced under contract with its compatriot Beijing Automotive Group Company.

However, we'll still have to wait a while to see it on Spanish roads. It's launching in the Chinese market this month, so it will be some time before it's available in Europe . In any case, below we'll introduce you to Xiaomi's car, which marks the Chinese giant's first foray into the automotive world.

The Xiaomi SU7 project

The rise of artificial intelligence has multiplied the possibilities for technological development in the automotive sector as well. However, Xiaomi's entry into the electric car market began earlier. Back in March 2021, Lei Jun , CEO of the Chinese company, announced that it would invest 10 billion yuan (US$1.4 billion) in its Xiaomi Automobile project.

In September of that same year, the company of the same name was founded, and shortly afterward, an agreement was signed with the Beijing Municipal Government to establish its factory there. This factory has the capacity to produce 300,000 cars annually , and the first one was unveiled in December 2023, with the first model expected to reach the market in February 2024.

What is the Xiaomi car like? Technical characteristics and exterior appearance

The Xiaomi SU7 is a large, fully electric sedan . In fact, the number seven refers to the segment it belongs to according to Chinese market standards. It's clearly the result of extensive research and development. At times, up to a thousand people worked on its design. The result is a truly beautiful and advanced car. Let's take a look.

The exterior of the Xiaomi SU7

As we mentioned, the Xiaomi car has considerable dimensions. It measures 4,99 meters long by 1,96 meters wide . Its height reaches 1,40 meters, and the wheelbase is three meters. Therefore, it would be a rival to the Tesla Model S or the Hyundai Ionic 6.

It also features an attractive and elegant coupe-like design with a sporty flair. Depending on the version, it also has a bulge on the roof that houses a Lidar radar . You might not know what that is, so let us explain. Lidar stands for laser imaging detection and ranging , which we could loosely translate as a laser-based system for measuring and detecting objects.

But most importantly, this radar allows the car to create a three-dimensional map of its surroundings, thus preventing collisions and accidents. In other words, it's the device that enables a degree of autonomous driving.

Furthermore, the Xiaomi car boasts, according to its creators, the world's best aerodynamic drag coefficient at 0,195 cd . This, in turn, allows it to be lightweight despite its approximately 2000 kilograms of weight. Additionally, thanks to its dimensions, it features two trunks : the rear trunk has a capacity of 517 liters, while the smaller front trunk offers 105 liters.

To complete the sporty character of the SU7, an active rear spoiler with four levels of adjustment has been added , which also increases its safety on the road.

A technological interior

When it comes to a Xiaomi car, the technological features are bound to be outstanding. The star attraction is a large 16,1-inch central screen with 3K resolution . You can operate it via touch, but if you prefer, you can add a physical keypad underneath.

Tablets can also be installed in the rear to control the entire system. It's compatible with Android Auto , Apple CarPlay , and AirPlay . All of this is complemented by a seven-inch panoramic digital instrument cluster and a 56-inch head-up display that projects information onto the windshield.

Safety in Xiaomi's car

The SU7 is also equipped with the latest advancements in automotive safety. We've already mentioned the Lidar radar, but a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 processor , several high-definition cameras , and proximity and sonic sensors further facilitate a degree of autonomous driving . Its creators have also equipped it with artificial intelligence capable of analyzing and responding to various traffic situations.

The Xiaomi car also features air suspension with adaptive dampers , and its various components come from the world's best suppliers, including Bosch , Continental , and Brembo.

The SU7 engines

As for its powertrain, the Xiaomi car also offers superb performance . It's available in two versions, each equipped with a HyperEngine : the V6 and the V6S . The V6 boasts 220 kW, equivalent to 295 horsepower, a 400V architecture, rear-wheel drive, and a top speed of 220 kilometers per hour.

The V6S , for its part, offers 495 kW (663 horsepower), an 800V architecture, all-wheel drive, and a top speed of 265 km/h . It can also accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 2,78 seconds. But if these engines are good, even better is the one Xiaomi is preparing for 2025. Next year, it will introduce the HyperEngine V8S , which will have 570 horsepower and be able to operate at 27,200 revolutions per minute. And, as if all that weren't enough, the Chinese brand is developing a 35,000 kW engine that threatens to be the most powerful in the world.

As for the Xiaomi car's range , it also depends on the version. The basic model has an LFP battery that allows it to travel around 670 kilometers without recharging . Meanwhile, the top-of-the-range version has a 101 kWh battery that provides 800 kilometers of range without stopping.

In conclusion, Xiaomi's car has already arrived on the Chinese market . It will still take a while to reach Europe , but it certainly shows great promise. Everything indicates that its mechanical and technical specifications are excellent, as is its road safety rating. And, regarding the technology, that goes without saying, given that we're talking about Xiaomi . In any case, until it's available at dealerships in our country, you can buy a used car . But when it arrives, be sure to give it a test drive.