Making its grand entrance at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi introduced its inaugural electric vehicle, the SU7.
This reveal signifies the SU7’s first physical appearance since its initial announcement in China towards the end of the previous year.
Described as a sleek and sporty sedan adorned in a striking blue hue, the SU7 garnered attention from attendees, as reported by CNET. Positioned as a “performance sedan,” it features four doors and operates on a fully electric drivetrain.
Xiaomi proudly boasts that the SU7 is equipped with the company’s proprietary electric motors, promising an impressive acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.78 seconds.
A standout feature of the vehicle is its formidable 101kWh battery, delivering an estimated range exceeding 497 miles, surpassing many of its rivals. Additionally, the SU7 supports fast charging, with Xiaomi claiming a recharge of 317 miles in just 15 minutes using a fast charger.
Furthermore, Xiaomi hints at future enhancements, suggesting that the platform could potentially accommodate 150kWh batteries, yielding a staggering range of over 700 miles, though such advancements may take years to materialize.
While Xiaomi has not yet disclosed the availability and pricing details of the SU7, the company has expressed aspirations to become one of the top five automotive manufacturers globally.
Weibing Lu, President of Xiaomi Group, highlighted the strategic alignment with the company’s existing customer base, particularly its 20 million premium smartphone users in China.
In an interview with CNBC preceding the international debut of the car, Lu emphasized the potential synergies between Xiaomi’s smartphone users and prospective car buyers, positioning the SU7 as an attractive option in the premium segment.
Despite acknowledging a wide range of potential price points, from entry-level to luxury, for the vehicle, Xiaomi remains committed to investing $10 billion in its development, signaling its dedication to the automotive venture.