Xiaomi introduces SU7 Ultra: Could be a game changer in the luxury EV market
Xiaomi has introduced the SU7 Ultra, a remarkable new entrant in the luxury electric vehicle market that could potentially change the game.
TroibNews 
Xiaomi's unveiling of the SU7 Ultra on Thursday is set to disrupt the luxury electric sedan market. The vehicle starts at a price of 529,900 yuan, which is 35 percent lower than the initial pre-order price of 814,900 yuan that was announced at the end of October. A limited edition of the luxury electric vehicle, which has yet to have its specifications revealed, remains priced at 814,900 yuan.
Customers who order the SU7 Ultra before the end of March will gain lifetime access to Xiaomi's Human-centric Autonomous Driving system at no additional cost, a feature that's typically priced at 26,000 yuan, as mentioned by Xiaomi's founder and CEO Lei Jun during the launch event.
Lei pointed out Tesla's recent update to its autopilot software in China, noting that it "has gone viral over the past two days, but still needs to pay more than 60,000 yuan."
The SU7 Ultra features a tri-motor powertrain and a battery pack optimized for track performance, generating a substantial 1,548 horsepower. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in an astonishing 1.98 seconds and reach a top speed of 350 km/h. Additionally, a high-performance version of the SU7 Ultra set a Nürburgring lap record in November, completing the 20 km track in 6 minutes and 46.874 seconds, outperforming previous records held by the Rimac Nevera and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT.
In contrast, the ZEEKR 001 FR, which was launched in 2023, incorporates a quad-motor system that produces 1,265 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.07 seconds, with a price tag of approximately 749,000 yuan.
ZEEKR has asserted that no other manufacturer will be able to match this level of production in the next five years, a claim that has been quickly countered by Xiaomi, whose rapid development in just two years is noteworthy.
During the same event, Xiaomi also introduced the Xiaomi 15 Ultra smartphone, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Supreme Edition chip and featuring dual-satellite communication capabilities.
The smartphone includes a high-performance antenna array and three communication chips, enhanced by AI for better scene optimization, leading to improved communication performance and reduced latency during gaming and live streaming.
It allows for network-free calls, offering two-way communication over distances of up to 7 kilometers. Through a collaboration with China Telecom and Alibaba's workflow application, DingTalk, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will provide a groundbreaking satellite data communication feature that allows users to send images and instant messages via the DingTalk app, even in areas with only satellite connectivity available. A crucial element of this technology is the AI-enhanced system for compressing and decompressing images on the device, which helps minimize data size for transmission.
The phone is also capable of establishing direct satellite connections with two distinct networks, BeiDou and China Telecom's TianTong. Starting at 6,499 yuan, it will be available on March 3.
Xiaomi plans to invest 30 billion yuan into research and development, with AI-related initiatives accounting for up to a quarter of that investment, as Lei noted at the launch event.
During a recent symposium on China's private enterprises, Lei shared his commitment to integrating AI technology into consumer products with China Media Group.
"We are committed to integrating the latest AI technology into various end products, enabling consumers to experience the wonderful life brought by technology," said Lei.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
Customers who order the SU7 Ultra before the end of March will gain lifetime access to Xiaomi's Human-centric Autonomous Driving system at no additional cost, a feature that's typically priced at 26,000 yuan, as mentioned by Xiaomi's founder and CEO Lei Jun during the launch event.
Lei pointed out Tesla's recent update to its autopilot software in China, noting that it "has gone viral over the past two days, but still needs to pay more than 60,000 yuan."
The SU7 Ultra features a tri-motor powertrain and a battery pack optimized for track performance, generating a substantial 1,548 horsepower. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in an astonishing 1.98 seconds and reach a top speed of 350 km/h. Additionally, a high-performance version of the SU7 Ultra set a Nürburgring lap record in November, completing the 20 km track in 6 minutes and 46.874 seconds, outperforming previous records held by the Rimac Nevera and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT.
In contrast, the ZEEKR 001 FR, which was launched in 2023, incorporates a quad-motor system that produces 1,265 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.07 seconds, with a price tag of approximately 749,000 yuan.
ZEEKR has asserted that no other manufacturer will be able to match this level of production in the next five years, a claim that has been quickly countered by Xiaomi, whose rapid development in just two years is noteworthy.
During the same event, Xiaomi also introduced the Xiaomi 15 Ultra smartphone, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Supreme Edition chip and featuring dual-satellite communication capabilities.
The smartphone includes a high-performance antenna array and three communication chips, enhanced by AI for better scene optimization, leading to improved communication performance and reduced latency during gaming and live streaming.
It allows for network-free calls, offering two-way communication over distances of up to 7 kilometers. Through a collaboration with China Telecom and Alibaba's workflow application, DingTalk, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will provide a groundbreaking satellite data communication feature that allows users to send images and instant messages via the DingTalk app, even in areas with only satellite connectivity available. A crucial element of this technology is the AI-enhanced system for compressing and decompressing images on the device, which helps minimize data size for transmission.
The phone is also capable of establishing direct satellite connections with two distinct networks, BeiDou and China Telecom's TianTong. Starting at 6,499 yuan, it will be available on March 3.
Xiaomi plans to invest 30 billion yuan into research and development, with AI-related initiatives accounting for up to a quarter of that investment, as Lei noted at the launch event.
During a recent symposium on China's private enterprises, Lei shared his commitment to integrating AI technology into consumer products with China Media Group.
"We are committed to integrating the latest AI technology into various end products, enabling consumers to experience the wonderful life brought by technology," said Lei.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
