Xiaomi's first foray into the automotive market is a matter of time, and the photos revealed recently by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology are living proof that a major launch is already on the radar.
Called SU7, Xiaomi's compact sedan is expected to see the daylight in the first months of 2024, with the Chinese tech giant to kick off sales later next year.
By this time next year, the SU7 should already be on the road, with a new set of spyshots revealing that the public unveiling is almost imminent.
The images reveal the sedan on public roads wearing the typical camo, though it's clear that Xiaomi is no longer struggling to hide the juicy details. The MIIT leak ruined the fun, revealing that Xiaomi's first vehicle will borrow design ideas from the Tesla Model 3 and the Porsche Taycan.
It's an unusual mix that blends quite nicely on a compact sedan. Xiaomi is also believed to be working on an SUV, though the unveiling is unlikely to take place earlier than 2025. The Chinese tech behemoth might be aiming for a one-vehicle-per-year strategy, though in the long term, I'm not sure this is feasible.
With the SU7's design already revealed, the only uncertain tidbit concerns the number of versions that will eventually hit the road.
Photo: Gizmo China
People familiar with the matter originally said that Xiaomi could launch two versions of its electric sedan, but most recently, multiple sources indicated that the company could go for a lineup compromising three versions. Xiaomi could use a naming approach borrowed from the mobile industry, baptizing its upcoming sedan SU7, SU7 Pro, and SU7 Max. The naming reminds me of Apple's iPhone, though Xiaomi has also offered Pro models for its top smartphones for several years.
The first Xiaomi model will be available with a choice of two electric motors. The base version will sport a 220 kW unit, but Xiaomi is also planning an upgraded version with a 275 kW motor for upgraded performance. Previous reports suggested that the Chinese firm also explored adding a conventional petrol engine for an extended-range setup, but it's unclear if the configuration received the go-ahead.
Meanwhile, Xiaomi's Car looks ready to pioneer the tech giants' expansion into the automotive world. Apple is also working around the clock on finalizing the Apple Car, though the highly anticipated debut won't happen earlier than 2026. The project is considered critical for Apple's long-term strategy, and despite hitting several roadblocks, including the departure of key executives involved in the project, the Apple Car is real and still in development. Apple has remained tight-lipped on its automotive ambitions, but sources with knowledge of the matter expect an official announcement in 2024 or 2025.
Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones. Full profile
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