A Smartphone Giant Takes on Electric Cars
Imagine a company known for affordable smartphones jumping into the electric car world and taking on giants like Tesla and Porsche. That’s exactly what Xiaomi, a Chinese tech powerhouse, has done with its first electric vehicle, the SU7. Launched in March 2024 in China, this sleek, high-end sedan comes in three versions—SU7, SU7 Pro, and SU7 Max—and starts at just $29,900. With its stylish design, cutting-edge tech, and impressive performance, the SU7 has created a buzz, with thousands of buyers rushing to order it. But is it really as good as everyone says? Let’s dive into what makes the Xiaomi SU7 stand out and see if it can truly challenge the big names in electric cars.
A Design That Turns Heads
The Xiaomi SU7 looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. Its smooth, sporty shape draws inspiration from luxury cars, with headlights that remind people of McLaren supercars and a fastback roofline similar to Porsche’s Taycan. The rear has a cool connected taillight that stretches across the car, plus a sporty faux diffuser that gives it a race-ready vibe. There’s even an LED grille on the front that can display patterns or messages, making the SU7 feel futuristic.
People love the look. On X, one user called it an “electric Ferrari at a Volkswagen price,” praising its premium style for a fraction of the cost. Even Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, said he loved driving the SU7 and called its design “fantastic.” Some critics on Reddit point out that it looks a bit too much like a Porsche, but most agree it’s a head-turner. The SU7 also has a super-low drag coefficient of 0.195 (without its LiDAR sensor), which means it cuts through the air efficiently, helping it go farther on a single charge. For anyone who wants a car that looks expensive without breaking the bank, the SU7’s design is a big win.
High-Tech Features That Wow
Xiaomi didn’t just make a pretty car—it packed the SU7 with smart technology. The car runs on HyperOS, Xiaomi’s operating system that connects the SU7 to your smartphone, smartwatch, or even home appliances like air conditioners. Imagine starting your car and adjusting your home’s lights from the same screen—that’s the kind of seamless experience Xiaomi is going for. The SU7 also has a 56-inch heads-up display that projects navigation info onto the windshield, so you can keep your eyes on the road.
The SU7 is built for the future of driving. It has advanced driver-assist features, like navigating busy city streets or parking itself in tight spots. Xiaomi says it’s testing autonomous driving in 100 Chinese cities, aiming to make the SU7 fully self-driving one day. The car’s battery, made by top Chinese company CATL, comes in sizes from 73.6 to 101 kWh, giving a range of 390 to 500 miles (based on China’s testing cycle). It also supports super-fast 800-volt charging, adding 136 miles of range in just 5 minutes. While some note that real-world range might be lower and full self-driving isn’t here yet, the SU7’s tech is impressive for a company’s first car.
Performance That Rivals the Best
The SU7 isn’t just about looks—it’s fast. The base SU7 has a single motor with 295 horsepower, good for everyday driving. The SU7 Pro steps things up, while the SU7 Max, with dual motors and 663 horsepower, zooms from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.78 seconds and hits a top speed of 165 mph. For speed lovers, the SU7 Ultra is the real star. With a whopping 1,517 horsepower, it clocked a record-breaking lap time of 7:04.957 at Germany’s Nürburgring track in June 2025, beating Tesla’s Model S Plaid and Porsche’s Taycan Turbo GT. It’s the fastest four-door electric car out there.
The SU7 Ultra is built for the track, with a carbon-fiber roof, ceramic brakes, and aerodynamic parts that create up to 2,145 kg of downforce for better cornering. Xiaomi calls it a “dream car” for performance fans, and buyers seem to agree. The SU7 racked up 88,898 pre-orders in just 24 hours and delivered 135,000 cars by late 2024. On X, fans called it a “legitimate Taycan competitor” for its speed and handling. However, Tesla’s Model S Plaid still has a longer range (672 km vs. the SU7 Ultra’s 630 km), so some buyers might prefer Tesla’s proven track record for long trips.
Xiaomi SU7 Max lets you get back on the road with an incredible 510 kilometers of range after just 15 minutes of charging. Even the standard Xiaomi SU7 isn’t far behind, offering a 350-kilometer range boost in the same timeframe.
Pricing That Shakes Up the Market
One of the SU7’s biggest strengths is its price. The base SU7 starts at $29,900, the SU7 Pro at $33,900, and the SU7 Max at $41,500—way cheaper than Tesla’s Model 3 ($34,020) or Porsche’s Taycan ($124,248) in China. Even the high-performance SU7 Ultra, priced at $72,929 (after a price cut from $114,200 in February 2025), undercuts Tesla’s Model S Plaid and Porsche’s Taycan Turbo GT. Xiaomi sweetens the deal with perks, like a free built-in fridge in special “founder’s editions” or lifelong access to its advanced driving system for early buyers.
This pricing makes the SU7 feel like a steal for a car with premium features. Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, said the goal is to let more people afford luxury cars. But there’s a catch—Xiaomi admits it’s selling the SU7 at a loss, which raises questions about whether they can keep these prices long-term. Also, the SU7 is only sold in China for now, with no confirmed plans for global markets like the U.S. or Europe, so not everyone can get one yet.
Consumer Reception: Love at First Drive?
The SU7 has taken China by storm. Within 27 minutes of its launch, Xiaomi got 50,000 orders, and by October 2024, it had over 3,600 orders for the SU7 Ultra in just 10 minutes. By late 2024, Xiaomi delivered over 20,000 SU7s a month, outpacing Tesla’s Model 3 in China during the fourth quarter. People on X are excited, with one user saying, “I’ve got the Xiaomi watch, phone, and laptop—time for the SU7!” Another called it “stunning” for its $30,000 price tag. Even big names like Ford’s CEO praised its design and driving feel.
But it’s not all perfect. Some buyers worry about Xiaomi’s newness to the car world. Unlike Tesla or Porsche, Xiaomi doesn’t have years of car-making experience, so questions about long-term reliability linger. The Chinese EV market is also super competitive, with brands like BYD selling cars as cheap as $9,658. Still, the SU7’s massive order numbers show that buyers are impressed and willing to take a chance on Xiaomi’s first car.
Comparison Table: SU7 vs. Tesla and Porsche
Here’s how the Xiaomi SU7 stacks up against its rivals:
| Feature | Xiaomi SU7 Max | Xiaomi SU7 Ultra | Tesla Model S Plaid | Porsche Taycan Turbo GT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (China) | $41,500 | $72,929 | $114,200 | $230,000 |
| Horsepower | 663 | 1,517 | 1,020 | 1,019 |
| 0–62 mph | 2.78 seconds | 1.98 seconds | 1.99 seconds | 2.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 165 mph | 217 mph | 200 mph | 190 mph |
| Range (CLTC) | 500 miles | 391 miles | 413 miles | 345 miles |
| Charging | 800V, 136 miles in 5 min | Same | 250 kW, ~200 miles in 15 min | 320 kW, ~200 miles in 18 min |
Sources: Reuters, Business Insider, Electrek
Conclusion: Is the Xiaomi SU7 Really That Good?
The Xiaomi SU7 is more than just a smartphone company’s first car—it’s a serious player in the electric vehicle world. Its sleek design, advanced tech like HyperOS and fast charging, and thrilling performance make it a standout. With prices starting at $29,900, it offers luxury features at a fraction of what Tesla and Porsche charge, and buyers in China can’t get enough, with tens of thousands of orders pouring in. While questions about long-term reliability and global availability remain, the SU7’s early success shows Xiaomi is onto something big. If you’re in China and looking for a stylish, high-tech EV that doesn’t break the bank, the SU7 might just be your dream car.
What Do You Think? Are you impressed by the Xiaomi SU7’s design and performance? Would you pick it over a Tesla or Porsche? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Sources: Reuters (web:0, web:4, web:10, web:17, web:24), Business Insider (web:10, web:24), Electrek (web:16), X posts (@rwang07, @ShangguanJiewen, @StayCuriouz)