Xiaomi shot to fame worldwide as a smartphone manufacturer. Now, they are also rolling out cars. The first one is the SU7, which instantly became popular after the official reveal. However, several prototypes crashed during tests. Waiting times are longer and longer, and there are customers who want their money back.
Smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi launched its first car on March 28 in Beijing, with all the bells and whistles new cars usually come with. High-end technology, Tesla-kind of performance at a much lower cost. What was not to like about it?
The Xiaomi SU7 starts at 215,900 yuan, which translates to approximately $29,840 at the current exchange rates. For the money, customers get the entry-level version with more than 435 miles (700 kilometers) of range. The electric motor generates 295 horsepower (299 metric horsepower).
Reservations started pouring in, with over 50,000 customers reserving an example in less than half an hour. 24 hours later, there were around 90,000 reservations. All customers had to do to reserve a unit was pay a 5,000 yuan ($691) deposit. But the popularity, as well as the issues during the development stage, keep extending the waiting times.
For instance, customers who reserved an SU7 Pro, with 516 miles (830 kilometers) of range, will have to wait between 18 and 21 weeks to get their cars delivered, as reported by Reuters.
Photo: Xiaomi
Furthermore, the range-topping SU7 Max, with 497 miles (800 kilometers) of range and 663 horsepower (673 metric horsepower), won't be delivered sooner than 30 weeks. That's a whole six months wait. But the first vehicles will be delivered starting in April.
There were customers who asked for their money back when they were informed of the long waiting times. However, according to the Chinese media, they did not get a refund. Xiaomi claims that the seven days they had to lock in their orders have already passed.
Car News China reports that the model arrived in 59 showrooms in 28 cities across the nation, where test drives are available. There were customers who waited until 3 AM to drive the car. Xiaomi started handing over the model to influencers for reviews.
There is one more thing that must have discouraged customers. Photos and videos of prototypes crashing on public roads have been showing up on social media. The latest, a six-second video, shows the driver of an Aqua Blue SU7 losing control of the test car and crashing into the curb on the side of the road.
The drivers seem to lose control and traction before they slam into curbs or other vehicles. The incidents prompted people to ask questions about the car being underdeveloped for the moment.
Back in February, Xiaomi conducted winter testing in Heir City in Northeastern China. During the tests, an SU7 crashed on a snowy road.
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