Xiaomi introduces upgraded flagship EV model, challenging Tesla
Xiaomi has unveiled a speedier iteration of its flagship electric vehicle, taking on Tesla in the competitive EV market.
TroibNews 
On Tuesday, Xiaomi introduced a luxury edition of its SU7 electric sports car, pricing the model at $114,000 and asserting that it would be the fastest four-door car in production, directly taking aim at competitors like Tesla and Porsche.
Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun, who enjoys a celebrity status in China, used the final segment of a live-streamed product update that lasted over three hours to showcase the SU7 Ultra. He announced a price point that aligns with the Tesla Model S Plaid, signaling a strategic pivot towards competing on performance rather than solely on cost with established car manufacturers.
"This is the world's fastest four-door mass-produced car currently available," Lei stated, adding, "When people ask why we created such a powerful machine, my answer is simple, we're building a dream car."
A comparison chart presented during Lei's remarks illustrated the SU7 Ultra surpassing the Porsche Taycan Turbo in both acceleration and top speed. Lei noted that the new car would also outpace the Model S Plaid, though Tesla would retain a superior driving range of 672 km on a single charge compared to the SU7 Ultra's 630 km.
By positioning the SU7 Ultra at a comparable price to the Model S Plaid in China at 814,900 yuan, Xiaomi departed from its previous strategy of catering to EV shoppers through a focus on value.
Electric motors inherently offer quicker acceleration than traditional combustion engines. Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers have been adopting the early strategies employed by Elon Musk with Tesla, launching high-performance vehicles that highlight technology and innovation in a segment less vulnerable to price competition.
Xiaomi revealed that the production version of the SU7 Ultra will incorporate carbon-fiber components, including its roof, performance ceramic brakes, and an aerodynamic design. The company had showcased a prototype in July.
Leading up to Tuesday's announcement, Lei mentioned that the SU7 Ultra prototype had achieved a record lap time at Germany's famed Nurburgring track, a 20.8-kilometer circuit recognized as a standard for vehicle acceleration and handling by automotive engineers, providing a platform for automakers to boast about their achievements for decades.
Xiaomi aims to produce 120,000 SU7 vehicles by the end of the year, with the first SU7 Ultras scheduled for delivery in March. The company began accepting orders on Tuesday and reported over 3,600 received within just 10 minutes following the performance car's unveiling.
Since June, Xiaomi's electric vehicle deliveries in China have consistently exceeded 10,000 per month, reaching a peak of over 20,000 vehicles in October.
During the product launch event, the company also introduced its flagship Xiaomi 15 smartphone series, which will start at 4,499 yuan and will be available for purchase beginning Thursday.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun, who enjoys a celebrity status in China, used the final segment of a live-streamed product update that lasted over three hours to showcase the SU7 Ultra. He announced a price point that aligns with the Tesla Model S Plaid, signaling a strategic pivot towards competing on performance rather than solely on cost with established car manufacturers.
"This is the world's fastest four-door mass-produced car currently available," Lei stated, adding, "When people ask why we created such a powerful machine, my answer is simple, we're building a dream car."
A comparison chart presented during Lei's remarks illustrated the SU7 Ultra surpassing the Porsche Taycan Turbo in both acceleration and top speed. Lei noted that the new car would also outpace the Model S Plaid, though Tesla would retain a superior driving range of 672 km on a single charge compared to the SU7 Ultra's 630 km.
By positioning the SU7 Ultra at a comparable price to the Model S Plaid in China at 814,900 yuan, Xiaomi departed from its previous strategy of catering to EV shoppers through a focus on value.
Electric motors inherently offer quicker acceleration than traditional combustion engines. Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers have been adopting the early strategies employed by Elon Musk with Tesla, launching high-performance vehicles that highlight technology and innovation in a segment less vulnerable to price competition.
Xiaomi revealed that the production version of the SU7 Ultra will incorporate carbon-fiber components, including its roof, performance ceramic brakes, and an aerodynamic design. The company had showcased a prototype in July.
Leading up to Tuesday's announcement, Lei mentioned that the SU7 Ultra prototype had achieved a record lap time at Germany's famed Nurburgring track, a 20.8-kilometer circuit recognized as a standard for vehicle acceleration and handling by automotive engineers, providing a platform for automakers to boast about their achievements for decades.
Xiaomi aims to produce 120,000 SU7 vehicles by the end of the year, with the first SU7 Ultras scheduled for delivery in March. The company began accepting orders on Tuesday and reported over 3,600 received within just 10 minutes following the performance car's unveiling.
Since June, Xiaomi's electric vehicle deliveries in China have consistently exceeded 10,000 per month, reaching a peak of over 20,000 vehicles in October.
During the product launch event, the company also introduced its flagship Xiaomi 15 smartphone series, which will start at 4,499 yuan and will be available for purchase beginning Thursday.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
