Xiaomi officially launched its next-generation SU7 electric sedan with significant upgrades including up to 902 km of CLTC range, standard LiDAR across all trims, and an 897V charging architecture on the top model. The updated sedan starts at 229,900 yuan (~$33,000), undercutting the Tesla Model 3 in China by about 5,600 yuan (~$800) despite a price increase of 10,000-14,000 yuan over the outgoing model.
The strong market reception is evident in pre-order numbers, with Xiaomi securing nearly 89,000 reservations in the first 24 hours when orders opened in January. This demand reflects growing consumer appetite for premium electric vehicles in China's competitive EV market.
The inclusion of standard LiDAR technology across all trim levels represents a significant infrastructure upgrade, positioning the SU7 as a technology-forward option in the autonomous driving capabilities race. The 897V charging architecture on the top model promises faster charging speeds, addressing a key infrastructure concern for EV adoption.
Xiaomi's aggressive pricing strategy maintains competitive pressure on established players like Tesla in the crucial Chinese market. The company's ability to offer advanced features while undercutting Tesla's pricing demonstrates the intensifying competition among EV manufacturers in China, the world's largest electric vehicle market.
The launch highlights the ongoing transition in the automotive sector, where traditional tech companies are successfully entering the EV space with competitive products that combine consumer electronics expertise with automotive engineering.