Xiaomi has officially entered the electric car market with a bang! The Chinese tech giant unveiled its first electric vehicle, the SU7 sedan, at a star-studded event in Beijing.
The SU7 boasts a competitive starting price of 215,900 yuan ($29,900 USD), significantly undercutting the Tesla Model 3 base model priced at 245,900 yuan ($34,000 USD) in China. This aggressive pricing strategy has generated massive interest, with Xiaomi recording a whopping 50,000 firm orders within just 27 minutes of launch!
The event was a major affair, with Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun spending over two hours showcasing the SU7’s capabilities. The live stream garnered over 2 million viewers on WeChat, and even CEOs from rival Chinese EV companies like Nio, Xpeng, and Li Auto attended, highlighting the significance of this launch.
Multiple Options to Choose From
The SU7 comes in three variants: Standard, Pro, and Max Performance. These differ in terms of battery range, powertrain, and driver assistance features.
The Standard and Pro versions offer rear-wheel drive, while the top-of-the-line Max Performance boasts an all-wheel-drive layout with dual motors.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the different SU7 models:
- Standard: Starting at 215,900 yuan ($29,900 USD), this variant boasts a 700 km (435 miles) CLTC range thanks to a 73.6 kWh battery. It offers fast charging capabilities, adding 350 km (217 miles) in just 15 minutes.
- Pro: Priced at 245,900 yuan ($34,000 USD), the Pro version extends the range to 830 km (516 miles) with a larger 94.3 kWh battery. Both Standard and Pro offer similar performance with a single motor generating 220 kW (295 hp) and 400 Nm torque.
- Max Performance: This performance-oriented variant features a powerful dual-motor setup delivering a staggering 495 kW (663 hp) and 838 Nm torque. It boasts the fastest acceleration (0-100 km/h in 2.78 seconds) and a top speed of 265 km/h (165 mph). Additionally, it comes with a larger 101 kWh battery and an 800V architecture for faster charging. This top-of-the-line option comes in at 299,900 yuan ($41,500 USD).
Taking on Tesla
The SU7 directly challenges the Tesla Model 3, offering a longer range (except the base Model 3) and more power (except the Performance variant) at a lower starting price. While the Tesla offers a more established brand name, Xiaomi’s aggressive pricing and feature set make the SU7 a compelling alternative.
Spacious and Competitive
The SU7 boasts a larger footprint compared to the Model 3, translating to a more spacious interior. This, combined with the competitive pricing and feature-packed variants, positions the SU7 as a strong contender in China’s booming electric car market.
Xiaomi’s entry into the EV space is a major development, and with the initial positive response, the SU7 has the potential to shake up the electric car market in China and beyond.
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