From smartphones to saloons: Xiaomi launches the SU7 to rival Porsche Taycan
The Chinese firm says the car will achieve 0-62mph in just 2.78 seconds
In an electrifying entry into the automotive world, Xiaomi, predominantly known for its smartphones, has announced the launch of its first car, the all-electric saloon named the Xiaomi SU7.
This bold move comes after a decade of speculation and positions the Chinese brand as a direct competitor to established players like the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S.
The range-topping SU7 Max comes equipped with a dual-motor setup delivering a total of 664bhp and 838 Nm of torque, enough for 0-62mph in just 2.78 seconds.
Xiaomi says the car can provide up to 497-miles of range from its 101kWh battery, though this figure comes from the Chinese CLTC test cycle. In terms of charging, the firm says the SU7 can gain 137 miles of range in just 5 minutes or 317 miles with a 15-minute charge.
In addition to the SU7 Max is the standard entry-level version, which features a single electric motor powering the rear wheels, producing 294bhp and 400Nm of torque. The car can reach 62mph from a standstill in approximately 5.3 seconds and promises a range of 415 miles.
From an aesthetic and functional standpoint, the SU7 borrows design cues from the world of supercars with a front end reminiscent of McLaren's models and a sloped roofline that nods to the Porsche Taycan. The rear end features a full-width light bar akin to the BYD Seal. The car is also equipped with an integrated LiDAR sensor, numerous cameras, and sensors to support Xiaomi's advanced Pilot autonomous driving technology.
Inside, the SU7 features a 16.1-inch central touchscreen with 3K resolution running Xiaomi's HyperOS infotainment system. Despite the large touchscreen, users who prefer tactile controls can attach a set of physical controls to the display.
In terms of practicality, the car provides 517 litres of boot space and an additional 105 litres in the front storage area, known as the 'frunk'.
Details regarding the SU7's availability in Europe and the UK, as well as its pricing, remain under wraps.
One of its rivals which will certainly be coming to entice UK customers will be one of its most notable rivals, the Porsche Panamera, which was recently updated for 2024. The base model offers 348bhp from a 2.9-liter V6, while the Turbo E-Hybrid impresses with a total output of 671bhp from its hybrid system. This consists of a 29.4kWh battery for a claimed 62-mile electric range, while its sprint from 0 to 62 mph takes 3.2 seconds, before reaching its top speed of 195 mph.